Photo by Mitchell Gaiser on Unsplash

Dear Faithful Followers of Christ,

It’s a cold morning and the alarm rings. You stretch and begin to move your foot to the floor … “Wow! It’s cold out there!” But, it’s warm and cozy under the covers. You know you need to move to begin the day, but … it’s so warm and cozy under the covers. It’s hard to move when we’re comfortable … maybe it’s the comfortable bed in the morning … or the recliner in the afternoon. The problem with “comfortable” – nice as it can be – not much gets done. You can’t get the day going if you stay in bed. You can’t make progress on the “to-do list” if you stay in the recliner. It can be easy to get trapped in comfort.

There’s an account in the Bible we might be able to relate to when we’re trapped in our comfort. The Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-9), in some ways, might’ve been a pretty comfortable place for Peter, James, and John. Jesus took them to the top of a high mountain. Suddenly Jesus was transfigured, “His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light (Matthew 17:2).” And if that wasn’t enough, Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, the entirety of Scripture at the time, also appeared! While it may not have been as comfortable as a nice recliner, Peter was eager to stay up there, basking in the glory of the Lord while in the presence of Moses and Elijah. Peter said, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If You wish, I will make three tents here, one for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah (Matthew 17:4).” But Jesus had other plans … having enabled Peter, James, and John to be eyewitnesses to this amazing event and hearing God the Father proclaim Jesus as His Son (Matthew 17:5) … it was time for them to descend from the comfort of the mountain into the world. 

In the world, Jesus embraced sinners of all kinds. He engaged the antagonistic temple leaders. And ultimately, He went to Jerusalem where He endured another mountain top experience, the excruciating agony of death on a cross … earning for us what we can’t possibly gain on our own. Then He rose to new life. Through Him, we receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. We who believe in Jesus are the beneficiaries of these amazing gifts. 

We’ve been forgiven. We live in the promise of eternal life. So, it’s tempting to get comfortable. As we enter the Lenten season, consider stepping out of your comfort zone. We can do this is by sacrificing some of our comfort (and remembering His sacrifice as you crave comfort throughout Lent). Then pray for strength to help you fight off Satan’s temptations to give in to your cravings.  Another idea – expand your comfort zone by spending more time in concentrated prayer, reading His Word, and listening to Him – pick up an “Our Daily Bread” devotional in the lobby and meditate on His word each day. Putting aside some comfort during Lent might help you experience more fully the Easter mountain top where Jesus proves He is who He said He is, the Son of God. 

                                                                Following Him in Faith,

                                                                Pastor Jim