The Transfiguration Part 2

 Luke 9:33-36

“33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.”

The transfiguration event was so amazing, that Peter did not know what to say, yet he felt compelled to say something.  Searching for something to say, his mind immediately left the spiritual and went to the everyday, practical, worldly things that he knew best.  He offered to build shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah.

In Christianity, there is a time for the spiritual and a time for the very practical. There are some of us who want only the spiritual and those who want only the practical.  After Peter made his offer to build shelters, God spoke and told the disciples who Jesus was, and that they should listen to Him rather than speak.  Peter had clearly interrupted a sacred spiritual moment with worldly ideas.

There are times when we are called only to listen to God; to sit and observe His work; to watch His miracle unfolding.  Without speaking, without thinking about worldly application or logistics or resources, we are to simply watch as God moves among us.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)