Home > Reading > The Daily Lectionary – June 18, 2016

matthew17-5

Numbers 3:1–13; Galatians 6:11–18; Matthew 17:1–13

A friend of mine, born and raised in Germany, was tested in his early teens by the government to determine his high school course of study—academic or vocational. Although he became a school trained German chef, he now drives a truck in America. There is no doubt that testing can determine aptitude, but can it determine desire or God’s purpose for us?

In picking the Levites to be the priests of Israel, God did not worry about aptitude or desire. God gave an entire bloodline its purpose in life. On the Damascus road, Jesus gave Paul a new purpose in life. Jesus led Peter, James, and John to a mountain top. It was the seventh day. Jesus shone in all his glory. Jesus was talking with Moses and Elijah, and a voice from the cloud said “This is my beloved Son… Listen to him.”

We have aptitude and desire for many things. But what is God’s purpose for us? Through Word and Sacrament, God picks us for his bloodline, transforms us, and leads us to the mountain top to see and hear his purpose for us in this life. The question we face daily is: are we listening?

Prayer: Gracious Lord, transform me for your purpose even if you must shout to get me to listen. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Ernie Sheldon, Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Statesville, NC.

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