The Way Things Really Are
Opening Prayer
Majestic Lord, help me never move beyond the mystery and wonder of who You are.
Read Luke 9:28-36
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[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, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. [31] 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. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What might have led to Peter’s response?This moment in Jesus’ life is normally called the transfiguration because Jesus’ whole appearance was changed, and two figures appeared and talked with him (30). Moses and Elijah were probably recognizable because they were acting in a way which Jewish people conventionally associated with them. Understandably Peter is completely thrown and reaches for a way of understanding it. So why does he suggest making some shelters (33)? Probably because what he was seeing reminded him of God’s presence with Israel in the wilderness and the way that Israel made shelters for themselves and a tabernacle for God to live in (Exodus 25-31). Although he was told to stop and listen (35), Peter seems to have understood that God was present among them in a special way, as he was in the wilderness. On this occasion it is as though the Father drew aside the veil and permitted the three disciples to see things as they really are.
Apply
Recall a time that You were aware of God’s presence or majesty in an unusual way.
Closing prayer
Lord, in the everydayness of life, help me to be mindful of Your glory beyond the veil.
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