Sometimes circumstances require you to slow down. This has been my experience of late as many of you know.

Fortunately, I have been lately reminded in my studies that it’s okay to slow down. Sunday’s sermon has hit that home quite personally for me. I empathize with Peter’s impulse to do something when he witnesses Jesus’s transfiguration and sees Moses and Elijah with him. He suggests, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." [Mat 17:4] Peter didn’t want this moment to pass, didn’t want the opportunity to fade; surely there was something to be done.

The only response Peter receives comes from God the Father, manifest in the bright, all-encompassing cloud, declaring, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" [Mat 17:5] Peter wants to build shelters, to seize what seems to be a golden opportunity to do something great, but God just wants him to listen.

This episode reminds me of the two sisters Mary and Martha. On one occasion they welcomed Jesus into their home and Martha began bustling around the house, presumably preparing food. In the meantime, her sister Mary just sat listening to Jesus. Frustrated, Martha appealed to Jesus, saying Mary should help her. This is what Jesus had to say in response:

"Martha, Martha, [..] you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed--or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
[Luk 10:41-42]

The better thing, the needful thing, is listening to Jesus. Our plans may be nice ideas, even good, but they don’t surpass Christ himself. This doesn’t mean we’re supposed to be passive, never acting. It just means we should always be listening. Our ear should be bent toward Jesus, always ready to be still and learn his purposes. When things happen outside your control, when circumstances seem to conspire the destruction of your plans, don’t resist too hard. Slow down and listen. Follow where Christ is leading.

Rev. Tom Loghry

Tom Loghry is the senior pastor of Rockland Community Church in North, Scituate, RI. He is a graduate of the Berkshire Institute for Christian Studies, Toccoa Falls College (B.S. Pastoral Ministry), and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.A. Theology). He is continuing his graduate studies in the area of “Ethics & Society” at GCTS.

Slow Down

Rev. Tom Loghry

© Rockland Community Church

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