Lessons From The Mountain

 "Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and he was transfigured before them..." Mat.17:1-2

Pastor, in his Sunday School this morning, talked about the mount of transfiguration. I want to point out some things that were not in his lesson.

First, you run with the runners. Young and immature pastors sometimes make the mistake of discipling the whole church. Every sermon is hard hitting. Every person is expected to act like the guys who feel called to preach. The same standards of commitment and dedication are held up for all to adhere to. And if you fail, you are a loser.

Let me tell you a little secret. In any church planting church there is a tiny group of guys who are all in and they want to be pastors. They have to pay the price now for future success. They have to move beyond being saints to being leaders. They are expected to do more because to them much will be given. Most of the people in any church are good folks who are faithful to attend services, to pray, and to give. They may find a job to do that suits them. They will be with you for years, supporting your faith and your vision. These folks are worth their weight in gold.

Second, I see the wisdom of pastor Jesus in this story. Why did Jesus only choose those three men and not all of the disciples? As a wise pastor, Jesus knew who could benefit the most from this experience. A pastor who disciples men must be skilled is working with men as they are to help them get where they want to be. Jesus, who knows our hearts, chooses men based on criteria that common people do not understand.

Run with the runners, walk with the walkers, crawl with the crawlers, and together we will all get to Heaven.

Pray for your pastor. He always needs wisdom.