On the mountain that day with his disciples something extraordinary happens. Before their very eyes Jesus is transfigured. And it’s spectacular! But being his typical self, Peter comes up with what he thinks is a bright idea. Hey Jesus, how about if we build three mansions up here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijiah? And then James John and I can be the grounds crew. We’ll mow the lawn and keep up the grounds. What do you think?
Ignoring Peter’s bright idea Jesus says, “let’s head back down we’ve got work to do”. Little did the disciples know tat following Jesus and the work he does would eventually cost them their lives.
If we’re going to be modern day disciples following Jesus may not cost us our lives, but it will ask of us a willingness to die in a different way. We die to ourselves by being willing to put aside what we might want for the sake of what others might need. I have a friend who’s passing up a promising career so he can devote more time to his son who’s battling cancer. That’s dying to yourself.
Dying to ourselves and what we want for the sake of what others might need. when we do that God has a way of accomplishing through us what we could never accomplish on our own. Only when we’re willing to die to ourselves are we available to joins with Christ in the “Kingdom work” he’s doing in our world.
So, when does Jesus invite us to join him in the “Kingdom work” he’s doing in the world? Well, his last night with his disciples in that most sacred meal they shared together he took bead, broke it and said, “Take and take eat. This this is my body given up for you. And then taking the cup, he said, “Take and drink. This is my blood poured out for you. Do this in memory of me.”
And so, it is that down through the centuries we’ve been handed down this sacred meal we call Eucharist. It is the meal in which Jesus invites us to join him in the Kingdom work” he’s doing in the world today.
There is the story of the little girl at church who when the preacher said can I get an Amen she responds with what she thought she heard and said, “I’m in! ” H er “I’m in” was her way of saying to Jesus, “Count on me to join you in the Kingdom work” you’re doing in the world today”.
And so, for us, today as we receive Chirt’s body and blood in Holy Communion it’s our time to say to Jesus, “I’m in.” I’m ready to join you in the “Kingdom work” you’re doing in the world today. I’m ready to die to what I want for the sake of what others might need.”
As we live Eucharist that way ready to give our “I’m in! Count on me to join you Jesus in the Kingdom work” you’re doing in the world today, watch for the miracles. It’s Christ living his life in us making our lives not necessarily easier but better than we could have ever imagined.
