June 23: Hear Him!

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”   (Matthew 17:1-5 — New King James Version)

This event happened not long after Peter had spoken the great truth that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Now it seems that God is pleased to show the disciples the truth of what Peter confessed. In prayer on the mountain, Jesus is clothed with heavenly glory — His face and clothes become bright and shining. Also the great lawgiver, Moses, and the great prophet, Elijah, appear and talk with Jesus about His coming sacrifice. Peter is overcome by all that he is seeing and offers to build shelters, or temples for all of them.

But when a bright cloud envelopes them and the voice of God booms from heaven, the disciples get the message that Jesus is greater than Moses and Elijah. They were men who served God faithfully in their time, but Jesus is God’s beloved Son. By his offer to build three shelters, Peter seemed to put Jesus, Moses, and Elijah in the same class. But God makes it very clear that Jesus is in a class by Himself! Jesus is the One we are to listen to!

God has always provided His people with teachers, prophets, pastors, and evangelists. But Satan also has his own multitude of counterfeit teachers and prophets. This is one reason it is so important for us to remember that the Lord Jesus is our real Teacher, Pastor, and Prophet. We will be judged by our loyalty to Him — not to any man! So keep your eyes on Jesus, and keep your ears and heart open to Him.

Jesus had twelve disciples but only chose three to accompany Him on this special climb up Mount Hermon, and this was not the only time He singled out Peter, James, and John. They were trustworthy men of faith. But if Jesus was careful with the friends He chose, imagine you and me. There’s a saying that goes: A man is known by the company he keeps. This is so true. If your closest friend is not interested in God, and is continually making negative comments, how do you think that will affect you, and why have you chosen him as your friend? The same goes for the one you marry, only on a much greater scale. — Be picky with your friends.