In the first eight verses of Luke 17, an amazing, dynamic yet a bit humorous experience happened. Verses 1-3 exclaimed, “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.” Jesus was transfigured in a heavenly state right before the eyes of Peter, James and John. Additionally, Moses and Elijah appear and start talking to with Jesus. Talking about a mountain top experience!
If I had the opportunity to experience this, I would hope that my mouth would stay shut and take it all in. Not Peter! Rather than stay totally quiet, prostrate on the ground, Peter turned this into a “do” experience. Verse 4 states, “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’” Peter had the audacity to interrupt the discussion between Jesus, Moses and Elijah with what he thought was a great idea!! Can you believe he did this!?
Observe what happens next in verse 5, “While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” God the Father pretty much told Peter to shut up, be quiet and told him that this is not about Moses and Elijah, it is about His Son “with Him I am well pleased.” Then He emphatically told Peter, “Listen to Him!”
What was the result of God the Father’s declaration? Verses 6-8 state, “6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.” Peter, James and John were terrified and fell facedown on the ground. In His grace and mercy, Jesus consoled them and then another key statement was made. “When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.”
God the Father made a huge, enormous point in this episode. This life is all about His Son alone…period…end of the story…“Listen to Him!” Above all else, seek Him and listen to Him! Before you make life a “do” thing, make sure that you spend time with Him and mediate on and listen to His Word in the Bible. Psalm 46:10 is a challenge from God’s heart, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Barnabas Man 