Don't Just Stand There, Do Nothing! (Matthew 17:1-5)

There is an aphorism in medicine, “Don’t just stand there, do nothing!”

There are a variety of stories about the origin of this phase but the popular explanation has been as advice to other health care providers when someone is having a seizure. A seizure can be a frightening event to witness but sometimes the wisest thing to do is to simply clear the area and ensure the seizure victim does not hurt himself. Once the seizure subsides, appropriate medical support can then be rendered. It may be frustrating to stand there and do nothing but it is far better for all involved to ride out the episode than attempting to intervene.

Sometimes when we are confronted with a problem, we feel compelled that we must act. Something must done and done right now! I know I often fall into this mindset. Somehow, even if my actions are not the best solution, by doing something I feel that at least I tried, and isn’t that better than just doing nothing?

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “ Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles:one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
Matthew 17:1-5

I wonder if this is how Peter felt when he was confronted with the magnificent appearance of a transfigured Jesus Christ, in the presence of Moses and Elijah? Can you imagine how awestruck Peter must have been to witness such a sight? Fumbling for the right words to say in a moment like this is hardly surprising. Frankly, I am surprised Peter was even able to say something! But speak he did and he felt compelled to do something, something really useful, like build a tent for all of them! In that moment, it was almost as if God, the Father, was instructing Peter to don’t just stand there, do nothing, and listen to Jesus.

When life confronts us with the unexpected, sometimes, we do need to act immediately. But many times, it may be wiser to take a step back from the situation and do nothing, except to give the entire situation over to God and listen to Him and accept His guidance.

There is nowhere you can go where God cannot find you. And there is no action or work that you can do that will make Him love you any more or less. He loves you with the most perfect and consuming love the universe will ever know. Don’t just stand there, do nothing...but trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Blessings with Aloha!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.