The Real Deal

Well now, butterbean, wander on up to this grace‑kissed porch and settle yourself in for an itty‑bitty minute, ’cause I’ve got a heart‑settlin’, joy-findin’ reminder that’ll warm you quicker than a cat findin’ a sunbeam. You’ve gotta ask the Lord to fill your heart with His joy and your mind with His wisdom today and every day.

In Mark 9, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain. probably ‘a-huffin’ and ‘a-puffin’ like three old hounds ‘a-tryin’ to keep up, and right there, Jesus shines brighter than a lightning bug convention on the Fourth of July. His clothes turned whiter than a preacher’s smile on Easter Sunday. Moses and Elijah showed up too, just ‘a-chattin’ away like it was a heavenly family reunion.

And then, here comes the big moment! A cloud rolls in, and God Himself says, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to Him” (Luke 9:35). This is Bible-speak for, “Y’all pay attention now, He’s the real deal.”

Ya’ see, folks have been confused about Jesus for a long time. Back then, some thought He was a prophet, some thought He was a troublemaker, and some thought He was just Joseph’s boy who grew up down the road. But Jesus didn’t just become God. He always was God. Before Bethlehem. Before Mary. Before the first rooster ever crowed.

The Transfiguration was God’s way of ‘a-pullin’ back the curtain and ‘a-sayin’, “Look here! This is My Son. Don’t miss this!”

And then Jesus asked His disciples the same question He asks us, “Who do YOU say I am?” (Matthew 16:15).

Peter got it right: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Bless his heart, Peter didn’t always get things right, but that day he nailed it.

And, cupcake, that question still hangs in the air like the smell of biscuits on Sunday morning. If Jesus really is who He says He is, then we don’t just nod politely, we are called to follow Him, trust Him, obey Him, and let His words shape our steps.

Father, I believe Jesus is the Son of God, my Savior, my Redeemer, my King. Open my eyes to see You clearly, my ears to hear Your voice, and my heart to receive Your truth. Fill me with unshakable faith and a joyful spirit as I walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen.

Now go on out there, chickadee, and don’t you forget when God says, ‘Listen to Him,’ He ain’t just makin’ polite conversation. He means it straight as a fence post. Even a hound dog knows when to howl, and a squirrel knows when to skedaddle across the road. So, surely we can figure out when to hush our fussin’ and listen to Jesus.

With joy,

Gwen