Day Two: Leaving Our Structures Behind

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:05:11 -0500
luke, this-is-my-son

Luke 9:28-36 (NIV 2011)

²⁸ About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. ²⁹ As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. ³⁰ Two men, Moses and Elijah, ³¹ appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. ³² Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. ³³ As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)

³⁴ While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. ³⁵ A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” ³⁶ When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.

Reflection:

Peter, James, and John need a revelation from God to understand who Jesus really is. The Transfiguration is a moment for them to see Jesus in all of God’s glory. In response, Peter initially tries to fit things into more of his old structure and understanding. Perhaps he says it is good for them to be there because he thinks they can “add” something to God’s kingdom.

But in the cloud and as God speaks, the disciples are left with the One who really matters: “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

Response:

As we encounter God’s revelation in our own lives, we get a glimpse of God’s kingdom and His presence changes everything. Let’s thank God because He encourages us by giving us a taste of His future glory. And as He speaks to us, let’s commit to listen to Him, leaving behind the old ways and following in obedience.