“As the disciples watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter blurted out, ‘… If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials…’ But even as he spoke, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son…listen to him.’”
Matthew 17:2-5
Peter was so excited about this awesome experience with Jesus that he exclaimed, “If you want, I’ll make three memorials!” But instead, a voice interrupted his building plan with what God REALLY wanted, “This is my dearly loved Son…listen to Him.”
Listen to my Son who left His home with Me to live with you. Listen to my Son who become human so you could see Me. Listen to my Son who will die a cruel death so you can have relationship with Me. HE is MY Son…listen to HIM!
The disciples didn’t KNOW Jesus like His Father did. God knew WHO Jesus was, and God knew the power of HIS words could change their lives. No wonder He pleaded, “Listen to Him.”
When the cloud enveloped them and God’s voice overwhelmed them, the disciples fell face down on the ground. How could they help but bow after encountering Almighty God? And from that position, they were ready to listen!
I too have wanted to “build memorials” around wonderful experiences of worship in God’s presence. That's why I noted: God didn’t tell Peter NOT to build—He told him HOW to build— “Listen!” When I listen to God, I am building relationship! However, that relationship is not built on experiences WITH God, but on wisdom FROM God.
The closer I listen, the closer the relationship!!
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