As we hang out with Jesus we become more like him.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.”  
Matthew 17:1 English Standard Version

Okay so this picture borders on self promotion. I never said that I wasn’t vain, but you’ve got to admit there is some resemblance between Ben and me: Lack of hair (sort of), glasses and gut. In reality I’m more like Tigger on my shirt than Ben.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

But the truth remains; we are who we hang with.

These three disciples hung with Jesus. I envy Peter, James and John. What a privilege to hang with Jesus and to see his glory on the Mt. of Transfiguration.

Then again, do I?

To be like Jesus means picking up a cross and following him. It involves dying to self and serving others. It requires praying for enemies and those who persecute us.

If it is true that we are who we hang with it is no wonder that many people don’t want to hang with Jesus. However, because these disciple hung out with Jesus, God transformed the world through them. Could God do the same in your world simply because you hang out with Jesus?

Copyright Douglas P Brauner