Presence Over Presents
The Architecture of Distraction
In Luke 9, Peter, James, and John get a "behind-the-scenes" look at the King of Glory. The curtain of Jesus' humanity is pulled back, revealing His royalty. What was Peter’s response to this weight of glory? He wants to build three tabernacles as a gift for His Lord and two great men: Moses and Elijah. The tabernacles were a quiet reference to the profound joy the Jews had when recalling how God brought His people out of the wilderness and gave them rest in the Promised Land. In other words, Peter’s overwhelming joy was leading to work when he should have been at rest. He wanted to provide a "gift" of housing for a King who already owns the heavens. God the Father’s response was a gentle but firm course correction “…This is my Son...listen to Him.”
The Hustle of the Hearth
As we turn the page of the scriptures, in Luke 10, we see this same energy in Martha’s kitchen. While Jesus is in her home, Martha is spiraling. She is focused on making a good "present" for the King; a delicate meal and the performance of being a good host. She even asks Jesus to tell Mary to leave His side to help her with the work. Just like the Father rebuked Peter, Jesus gives Martha a soft reality check. He tells her that Mary has chosen the "better part." Martha was preparing a gift for the King, but Mary was simply BEING with the King. Martha’s "presents" were getting in the way of resting in His presence.
The Importance of Being Still with Him
Whether it is Peter on the mountain or Martha in the kitchen, the struggle is the same: believing that our works, our talents, or our "tabernacle gifts" are more valuable than placing our devotion and attention on Him. We often feel the need to justify our place with God by being productive especially when we are coming out of a "wilderness" or a dry season to experience the goodness of His GRACE. We want to prove we are worthy of the Promised Land by what we can build there.
Concluding Thought
The Transfiguration and the story of Mary and Martha teach us that no ritual, or no “church” project for the auxiliary can compare to BEING with Him. We do not have to "do" to capture His attention. He sees us. In fact, He is the one who invited us to come into His presence!! We were not fortunate like Peter, James, John or Mary and Martha to be with Christ while He was on earth, but Revelation 21:3 says that “…the dwelling place of God (i.e., the tabernacle) is with man, He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God himself will be their God.” Someday soon, you and I will experience overwhelming joy, as we will be at rest or in worship in His presence forevermore!!
Blessings,
Pastor Zhivago Adderley
In Luke 9, Peter, James, and John get a "behind-the-scenes" look at the King of Glory. The curtain of Jesus' humanity is pulled back, revealing His royalty. What was Peter’s response to this weight of glory? He wants to build three tabernacles as a gift for His Lord and two great men: Moses and Elijah. The tabernacles were a quiet reference to the profound joy the Jews had when recalling how God brought His people out of the wilderness and gave them rest in the Promised Land. In other words, Peter’s overwhelming joy was leading to work when he should have been at rest. He wanted to provide a "gift" of housing for a King who already owns the heavens. God the Father’s response was a gentle but firm course correction “…This is my Son...listen to Him.”
The Hustle of the Hearth
As we turn the page of the scriptures, in Luke 10, we see this same energy in Martha’s kitchen. While Jesus is in her home, Martha is spiraling. She is focused on making a good "present" for the King; a delicate meal and the performance of being a good host. She even asks Jesus to tell Mary to leave His side to help her with the work. Just like the Father rebuked Peter, Jesus gives Martha a soft reality check. He tells her that Mary has chosen the "better part." Martha was preparing a gift for the King, but Mary was simply BEING with the King. Martha’s "presents" were getting in the way of resting in His presence.
The Importance of Being Still with Him
Whether it is Peter on the mountain or Martha in the kitchen, the struggle is the same: believing that our works, our talents, or our "tabernacle gifts" are more valuable than placing our devotion and attention on Him. We often feel the need to justify our place with God by being productive especially when we are coming out of a "wilderness" or a dry season to experience the goodness of His GRACE. We want to prove we are worthy of the Promised Land by what we can build there.
Concluding Thought
The Transfiguration and the story of Mary and Martha teach us that no ritual, or no “church” project for the auxiliary can compare to BEING with Him. We do not have to "do" to capture His attention. He sees us. In fact, He is the one who invited us to come into His presence!! We were not fortunate like Peter, James, John or Mary and Martha to be with Christ while He was on earth, but Revelation 21:3 says that “…the dwelling place of God (i.e., the tabernacle) is with man, He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God himself will be their God.” Someday soon, you and I will experience overwhelming joy, as we will be at rest or in worship in His presence forevermore!!
Blessings,
Pastor Zhivago Adderley
Recent
Archive
2026
January
February
March
2025
Categories
no categories
No Comments