Matthew 17:1-5

S - Matthew 17:1-5

O - "Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain and was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then, there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

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.'

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!' "

The transfiguration of Jesus. Wow. This would have been an amazing sight. Then him talking to Elijah and Moses... those who had died were right there, plain as day. Then, here impulsive Peter has this great idea and blurts it out. In the middle of speaking, God tells Peter with an exclamation point to "Listen to him!".

A - We will be transformed just like Jesus in the blink of an eye when he comes again or when we go to heaven...

His face shone and all his clothes turned white. Amazing. I am remembering something that CS Lewis said about these being shadowlands and how the Kingdom is what is real. He said that that is why Jesus, upon his return, could walk through walls etc. It was not because he was a ghost, but that nothing on this earth was as real and solid as he had become. This earth and everything in it are but shadows. Shadowlands.

Lastly, I find it interesting that God cut Peter off in the middle of his idea and rebuked him in a sense. He said to "Listen to Him!" Once again, impulsive Peter... but we are just like him. Sometimes we have so many ideas that we really don't stop to listen to whatever purposes it is that God brought us to whatever place we are in. Stop, look, and listen... Simple instructions yet so hard for us to truly do in the Spirit instead of the flesh.

P - God, you are amazing and these lands are but shadows. Help me to stop, look, and listen to what is real and true around me... the purposes, people,and plans you have for me. Stop, look, and listen. Kingdom think... listen to the Holy Spirit... be guided by You as I "Listen!" to you... Help me this day to think of others, to open my eyes to your plans, to take advantage of every opportunity, and to listen to who you might have me minister to today. Let your light in me shine out the darkness in me. Amen.