Focus One

Do you and I know Home? Unless we know, Home, how can we ever experience, Home Alone?

It is with this clear understanding of the meaning of the word Home, in this environment, that we are able to accept and take great riches from all that is to come. We can safely and truthfully state that disciples were left at home, to manage the house, as it were, while the other members of the family were away.

Most curiously, you may be asking a question such as this. What is this all about? Let’s follow the text to gain needed information. And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Mark 9: 14. It has been sectioned into three large-sized portions. The term, large-sized, simply lets you know that we shall be spending a bit of time looking at what surrounds each particular, specific focus.

Our first specific focus - And when He came to His disciples. 

The text lets us know that Jesus was not there with His disciples, for it clearly states that He came to His disciples. The question is this. Where was Jesus? At the beginning of the chapter, we are given all the information we need. This is what verse two tells us. Now after six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves and He was transfigured before them.  

Jesus had left home to be transfigured and He took three of the Twelve with Him. It stands to reason then, that nine disciples were left at home, alone. They were not abandoned by Jesus, their Master and Lord. They were simply left alone at home for a while, a temporary leaving. Jesus has been transfigured and now, with the three who accompanied Him, He returns home. Jesus returns to the nine whom He has left alone at home.

I believe that Jesus’ focus at this point in returning, is wholly and solely on the nine disciples. Don’t these words, when He came to His disciples, make it especially clear? I really believe that Jesus never came down from the mountain of transfiguration to see, meet and greet anyone, but His disciples, first and foremost.

Of what value is this to you and me? There are three stabilizing truths, which tie us and fix us in our Master and Lord. These are facts which have been brought to us, all who are disciples of Jesus, people who have died to all we are and have, to be with Him, in love and service. 

Fact 1. Jesus came to His disciples. Jesus still comes to you. There is no need to worry or panic for Jesus will come to you.

Fact 2. Jesus has His disciples ever on His mind and makes His first priority in returning, to be with them. He does not want to spend a moment longer than is needed, for His own to be without Him.  Jesus still keeps you on His mind. He is aware that you are alone and is most anxious to get back to you. Jesus is most mindful of you.

Fact 3. Jesus knows that His disciples do not live in solitary confinement, for other people will be around, as they live in a very lucid environment. In the midst of all others, His mind is still focused on His disciples. Jesus still lifts you out of the world and will never fail to hold you above the world.  

If you, in this moment, are like one of those nine disciples, take strong courage. Whatever the reason for Jesus not being present, as you are used to Him, do not be afraid and disheartened. The reality is that you are experiencing some unusually burdensome responsibilities, as keepers of the house and that does not inspire you in the least. In fact, it has scared you somewhat. Keep focus on Jesus who is on His way. You are not being left in this position indefinitely.

Take heart! Encourage yourself with whom you know your Lord to be.