No Equal

“He took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.  And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.  And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.  Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.  And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said.  As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.  And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!’ And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.” Luke 9:28-36

While intimately communing with His Father, Jesus’s face changed, His clothing dazzled white, and two men joined His glorious appearing. Peter awakened, startled to passionate action by their resplendence, and impetuously offered to serve them equally by making tents where each could be worshiped. God almighty overshadowed them all and His voice shook Peter from his spiritual grog. His Son, His Chosen One, HAD NO EQUAL. He was the One to listen to and follow. This disciple’s zeal must be for Him alone. (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 46:5; Luke 4:8)

A myriad of ideas vie for our attention, varied causes for our affection, and numerous people for our adoration. Worldly culture and ubiquitous media incessantly parade enticing choices before our senses. We might assume we are awake to responsibility and information, yet be somnolent to the deceptive flirting or insidious capturing of a heart grown callous to our rightful First Love. Over the cacophony of competing teasing and noise booms the Almighty’s voice, “Listen to Him!” (Revelation 2:4-5)

Listening to the Lord whose Name is above all names reminds us He has no true equal. Renewing our minds in truth is the only way not to be conformed to this world that offers and serves many idols and professes them all equally valid, or worthy of our investment. It is vital for healthy spiritual growth to acknowledge the One true God over and over, and to serve Him alone. (Matthew 6:24; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 2:9-11)

What rivals to the Lord do we entertain in thought, conversation, energy investment? In what areas do we profess reverence and whole-hearted loyalty to Him but in behavior, esteem idols and share allegiances? Who reigns supreme when we spend time and resources? Whom do we really revere? Do Christ and self- or anyone or anything- share the throne of our lives?

“You have no rival
You have no equal
Now and forever God You reign
Yours is the kingdom
Yours is the glory
Yours is the Name above all names.” ~Hillsong Worship (2016)

Worthy Lord, keep me focused on and fully devoted to You as my only Sovereign and first, sole love, to Your glory.