June 6 - Overshadowed Certainty

Read: Luke 9:28-36

As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. (Luke 9:34 ESV)

There are multiple occasions in the bible when a cloud, fire, or smoke accompanies the supernatural presence of God. The Transfiguration of Jesus was similar. God told the disciples to listen to Jesus, His son. And a cloud enveloped them as God spoke.

This passage is talking about a literal cloud of something that obscured vision and made the disciples fearful. I think sometimes being in the place where God is leading you will also cause you to find yourself in a place of obscured vision and potential uncertainty. Those are trust moments.

When you can't see what's around you. When you can't see ahead, side-to-side, or behind. Those are the moments ripe with opportunity to trust in God. That's probably why He seems to allow us to experience so many if them.

The Jewish psalmist, king, and prophet David wrote about God's protection in times like this. He talked about being in the "shadow of His wings." It is a beautiful metaphor that recalls the protective obscurity of parental shielding.

Maybe we're not certain of the future, and maybe God wants it that way. Ultimately He wants us to depend on Him by trusting in Jesus. When life seems hazy we can be at our most fearful, but that's also a moment of divine opportunity. God wants us to embrace His certainty in a way that will overshadow all uncertainty in our lives.

June 5 - Have No Fear

Read: Matthew 17:1-13

But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." (Matthew 17:7 ESV)

Jesus took his closest friends with him to the top of a mountain and there they witnessed a supernatural event. This is often referred to as the Transfiguration. It was a moment when Jesus was momentarily revealed in his divine glory. It was revelatory moment for the disciples. It was something they did not fully comprehend.

Moses was there, Elijah was there, and Peter spoke prophetic things he didn't even understand. But the climactic event took place when God spoke in such a way that all in attendance heard and understood.

"This is my beloved son, listen to him."

The disciples were on their faces before the powerful voice of God. It was probably terrifying to hear the disembodied voice of the one true God. When the Father had finished speaking Jesus touched them and assured them that there was no reason to be afraid.

Today, we can walk, live, breathe, and enjoy the presence of The Holy God by way of His only begotten son. Jesus removes the fearfulness that exists between fallen man and God almighty, at least for those that have been covered by the righteousness of Christ. Apart from Christ there is much to fear about eternity. In Jesus there is an eternal reason to have no fear.