Post-Campmeeting Drag

"Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good that we are here. If you want, I will put up three tents here -- one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah'" (Matthew 17:4, New Century Version).

Allegheny East Conference camp meeting ended Sunday and it's back to life and ministry as usual. During those ten days of holy convocation we stayed in a hotel, we didn't have to cook because the cafeteria was open. Every day, twice a day, we heard inspiring music and sermons and fellowshipped with other Christians in a beautiful mountaintop setting.

But we have come down from the mountain. And as it was for the disciples who accompanied Jesus on the mount of transfiguration but descended the mount to meet a man with a sick son, the work awaits. The work of ministry. The work of calling on the sick and shut-in, of advising those anticipating marriage, of preparing a congregation to share the everlasting gospel, of motivating and affirming ministry leaders, etc.

I get Peter's sentiment. He's up there on the Mount of Transfiguration. Jesus is glowing. The great law-giver Moses and the great prophet Elijah appear. I mean, what more can you ask for?! Peter's like, "Let's camp out here a while!"

But what we forget is that while we are on the mountain, a man with a sick son is still down in the valley (Matthew 17:14-16). We are not to stay on the mountain. The mountain isn't to become a permanent residence. The mountain is to prepare us for the ministry that awaits in the valley. We in the modern church have to be careful. Even in our weekly worship experiences we are prone to overlook that our coming together is to be equipped by the Spirit and encouraged by one another to be salt and light in the world. We cannot afford to ignore the reality that the anointing of the Holy Spirit is to help us fulfill the assignments God sets before us.

So, it was great worship. But now it's time to reengage in great work for a Great God.

http://keithsgoodman.blogspot.com/2014/07/post-campmeeting-drag.html