As the sunset approached, I walked with my eyes focused on the path ahead. I whispered, “I watch, I wonder, I wait.” What would Jesus reveal on this path? I kept watching, wondering, and waiting for a glimpse of Him. When Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, there were three disciples present.
As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Matthew 17:2-3 NLT
As the men watched, Jesus’s face and clothes changed, and two companions appeared. Watching can be a sacred, life-transforming act, especially when one’s eyes are fixed on Jesus. Sometimes when we people-watch, we get a sense of who they are and what their next move might be. But with Jesus? The disciples could never have predicted this.
Watch
We watch events unfold in Jesus’ life through the lens of scripture. We are privileged to immerse ourselves in the Word and learn about Jesus’ life in the comfort of our homes. Imagine watching firsthand as radiance like the sun overtook His face. When our perception of what Christ looks like changes, it changes us. How does Christ look to you? Does He look the same as He did when you first came to know Him?
Wonder
We can experience awe and wonder as we ponder Christ’s transformed face. Wonder can bring about worship, gratitude, and praise. It can also leave us tongue-tied, unable to express ourselves in the moment. Peter was so caught up in wonder that he was ready to serve by building shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But they weren’t there to be served; in fact, as Peter spoke, God’s voice could be heard in the clouds.
But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” Matthew 17:5 NLT
Wait
God’s words undeniably caused them to pause and wait for what would happen next. Jesus, God’s dearly loved Son, brought great joy to His Father. Joy is something worth cultivating. Does Christ bring joy to your life? I asked myself that question today. Joy comes from listening to Jesus and watching, wondering, and waiting on Him.
I made a screensaver for my phone before I went out to walk and pray. It reminds me of the three statements I want to contemplate on the path this week.
I watch, I wonder, I wait. Joy floods my heart on the trail as each person I encounter smiles or nods. I see Jesus out there. I hear God telling me to listen and joy fills my heart. No matter what, God is good. And the transformed face of Christ lights up my path. May you take time this week to watch for Him, find the wonder in Him, and wait on Him.
*For those of you who prayer walk, contemplate how Jesus looks to you. And for those who’d like a copy of the screensaver click here!