IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 17:7

First, 'mountain-top' experiences (1-5). 'Mountain-top' experiences are important in our lives of faith. They inspire us, give us vision, and encourage us. The disciples needed confirmation that Jesus is "the Messiah, the Son of the living God" (16:16). They also needed encouragement after hearing that Jesus would "be killed" (16:21). Seeing Jesus in his glory with Moses and Elijah, and hearing the Voice of the Father, had a profound impact on them. In talking about the Lord's power and second coming, Peter later recalled with deep humility: "We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain" (2Pe 1:18).

Second, "Get up!" (6-13). We love mountain-top experiences. We wish we could stay forever on the mountain-top with the sweet delight of the revelation of Jesus. But Jesus comes to us and says "Get up!" We were not designed to live on the mountain-top. Our place is one of service in the valley. This is where the vision that God imparts on the mountain-top becomes real. It's where our faith in the plan God has revealed is tested, and through testing becomes real. It's the only way - there is no other way for our faith to become real other than to go down into the valley of service - the service of loving one another.

Prayer: Lord, please touch me and my ministry so I will get up and go do your will in reaching out to others with the Good News.

One Word: Jesus touches us and says "Get up!"