Jesus took Peter and the brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him.
All I can say when I read such accounts as this one is WOW!
I cannot even imagine what it must have been like to be up on that mountain with Jesus.
All of a sudden Moses and Elijah shows up and Jesus speaks to them as one would with old friends.
Peter broke in, “Master, this is a great moment! What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain—one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah?” While he was going on like this, babbling, a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to him.”
Peter is crazed and amazed. He begins to babble about tents.
God then speaks from a cloud speaking directly about his Son.
With a few words he removes any doubt concerning the origin and identity of Jesus.
When the disciples heard it, they fell flat on their faces, scared to death. But Jesus came over and touched them. “Don’t be afraid.” When they opened their eyes and looked around all they saw was Jesus, only Jesus.
I would be terrified too - way too spectacular for this guy.
Yet Jesus comes and does what he always does, speaking comfort and peace to his friends.
In difficult and scary times his words bring comfort to me still.
One minute Jesus is speaking with men who have been dead for centuries.
And the next he is talking with his disciples.
I cannot imagine the awe that Peter, James and John must have experienced.
Hearing the very voice of God must have been so surreal.
Small wonder that Jesus touched and spoke to them the way that he did.
Even more the reason to seek rest and comfort in him when times are scary times.
I am in awe of you Lord. Touch me and take my fears away.
... verses from Matthew 17:1-8 MSG
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
Amen to that.
ReplyDeleteI think I would probably be babbling about "tents" too. Our world is so small and God is so big. Sometimes I think I have got it backwards.
What an awesome God we serve.