Just Jesus!

(Mark 9:2-8 HCSB) 2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves to be alone. He was transformed in front of them, 3 and His clothes became dazzling — extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them. 4 Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good for us to be here! Let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” — 6 because he did not know what he should say, since they were terrified. 7 A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud: This is My beloved Son; listen to Him! 8 Then suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus alone.

Lanny Wolfe penned the words of the beautiful song entitled, “Only Jesus Can Satisfy Your Soul.” It says…

The world may try to satisfy

That longing in your soul.

You may search the wide world over

But you’ll be just as before.

You’ll never find true satisfaction

Until you’ve found the Lord,

For only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

Only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

Yes, only He can change your heart

And make you whole.

He’ll give you peace you never knew,

Sweet joy and love and Heaven, too.

For only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

It’s true you know! This world, with all its beauty offers so many satisfying experiences. I have been blessed to see many of them. I have traveled to various countries, and experienced most of the landscape known as the United States of America. I have witnessed the migration of the animals of the African plain, grazing buffalo in Yellowstone, and hummingbirds feeding in my own backyard.

I have stood in awe at the sound of Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite National Park; witnessed Old Faithful as she spouted off in her natural rhythm. Mt. Rushmore, The Grande Canyon, The Giant Redwoods of Sequoia, Mackinac Island, the country roads of West Virginia, and good ol’ Rocky Top Tennessee!

I have worshipped with French speaking Haitians, Jamaicans, and the Navajo Indians of Gallup, New Mexico. I’ve removed my shoes before entering churches in Korea, prayed in mud huts with Ghanains, and had orphans in Kenya lay their hands on me and pray that I would be blessed. I’ve sung hymns with the people of Ecuador, and prayed at churches  in Belgium.

Please don’t read this and feel that I’m bragging. I am humbled that God would allow me to experience so much of His creation. The truth is, there will be people who read this who have experienced MUCH more than I have. My reason for writing is to simply acknowledge that, although God has given me these opportunities, none of them can compare to the glory of His presence.

Mark 9:2-8 records an amazing account known as the transfiguration of Christ. Peter, James, and John watch as Jesus transforms before their very eyes! His clothes started glowing, clouds surrounded them, and if that wasn’t enough, Moses and Elijah showed up! Can you say WOW?

But, the next few words tell the greatest story… “Then suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus alone.” There was so much to see and experience. But, when it was all stripped away, only Jesus remained! That’s all that mattered. And, that’s all that matters in our lives as well. With all the many blessings that I recounted earlier, none of them satisfies like Jesus does. The old song of the church declares, “Take this whole world, but give me Jesus!” I concur!

PRAYER: Jesus, know my heart today! It is filled with adoration for You. Truly, this world has nothing that compares to You. Allow your glory to be evident in such a way that the world can know You as I do. Help me to make much of You at all times. Amen.