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Scripture
Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. Matthew 17:1-2

Observation
Only once while Jesus was on earth did he “light up” like he did back home in heaven. Getting a glimpse of Jesus’ glory on earth was even more of an event than the 76-year-long wait for Haley’s Comet. One would think that Jesus would be choosey with the audience for such an event. After all, he didn’t even let anyone watch the resurrection, who would he have around for the Transfiguration? There was not a caesar, king, or high priest allowed in. Instead, Jesus selected three blockheads known for dropping clangers to witness the most remarkable event this side of heaven.

Why?

My thoughts exactly. Peter, James and John were clods, selected not because of what others could see, but because of what Jesus could see. He saw the potential in them that no one else could see. This trio would go on to lead the early church and write chunks of the Bible. Peter would see tongues of fire and John would see Jesus lit up again along with all of heaven. James would get to go home early and enjoy it before the other two.

Application
To lead like Jesus, we need to see potential in young leaders early on before others can see it and give them access to privileges they do not deserve. When I was 20 years old I got to have lunch with John Maxwell. I thought I had all of the answers and I was too dumb to know any questions to ask. From a strategic point of view, it was a wasted hour for him. But I will never forget him taking time for me or the things I heard him speak that day. For the next five years, he became the model for much of what I did and helped me immensely. I want to be a leader who believes in future leaders before others can see them or they can see it in themselves. I want to be the gate so that young leaders can get a front row seat into spectacles of heaven. Waste the whole light show on those who don’t deserve a ticket must be my mandate. And out of Peter, James and John will come the leaders of tomorrow’s church.

Prayer
Father, please develop my ability to develop others. Show me more and more how to develop them. Amen.