Listening to Jesus is the road of life.

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“And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, ‘This is my beloved Son; listen to him.'”
Mark 9:7 English Standard Version

God blessed Janice and me with three boys, now men. Each one of them is an amazing gift of God. Our oldest, Joel, is a fantastic problem solver. When I’m working on a project, I know that Joel will find the best solution. Nathan is the artist. Nathan removes the dust and cobwebs from our piano when he visits. Mike is the loyal and compassionate friend. Everyone knows that Mike cares for people.

Lafayette, Park, St. Louis, Missouri

However, as they grew up it was their job to point in the opposite direction that I was pointing for them to go. Isn’t that often the way of parenting? We see clearly what direction would be best for their lives and they see a different direction.

God always knows the best direction for our lives.

The voice from heaven pointed the way for Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration. Jesus would steer these disciples on the best direction for their lives. So, the voice commands them to listen to Jesus.

As we head into Lent with Ash Wednesday, we will come face-to-face with our desire to go a different direction than the way directed by Jesus. We know best what our lives need, or at least that’s what we believe. These three disciples would do the same thing when they come down from the mountain.

But the way of Lent is the road to Easter. The voice of Jesus leads us to peace, joy and life in his resurrection from the dead. Following the road that we choose for ourselves leads to death. These three disciples would learn that it’s best to listen to Jesus. May we also discover this truth.

Text and Photograph Copyright Douglas P Brauner