Bible Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 & Luke 8:38-39
When Peter witnessed Jesus' transfiguration on the mountain, Peter wanted to stay on the mountain with Jesus and his brothers in the faith.
Jesus said, "No."
Why was Peter's idea a bad idea?
I think today's Bible verses give us a clue to the reason. These verses talk about a man Jesus had healed. Jesus had driven demons from this man. In Luke 8:38 the man stated his desire to stay with Jesus (just like Peter had done on the mountain). Again, Jesus said, "No." In Luke 8:39 Jesus told the man, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."
Jesus had a job for the man: Go and tell.
Jesus had a job for Peter: Go and tell.
Jesus has a job for us, too. Often we want to stay in our prayer closets or churches. where we can be "close" to Jesus, but Jesus doesn't want us to stay in our prayer closets and churches 24/7. Jesus has a job for us to do: Go and tell.
We are always close to Jesus, no matter where we are. We need to be out among people sharing God's love with them and telling them about Jesus' salvation so they will have the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and will be able to be close to Jesus, too.
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Mark 1:17
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to stay close to You wherever I am. Help me to bravely go and tell other people about Jesus. In Jesus' name. Amen.