"IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE"
Matthew 17:1-4
Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured in front of them, and his face shone like the sun; his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good for us to be here. If you want, I will set up three shelters here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
Just a little while ago, about six days earlier, while Jesus was with the disciples in Cesaria Philippi, Jesus told them this:
Matthew 16:28
"Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
And so, he, with Peter, James, and John go for a hike up a mountain and there Jesus clothes himself in light, his face shining like the sun. He's surrounded by the Shekinah glory, a bright cloud which is God's glory and divine presence. Moses and Elijah are there with him, representing the law and the prophets, and his light reflects in them, human men made perfect in Christ's kingdom. Here they are in communion with Jesus, before the witnessing disciples, the kingdom has come in all its glory fulfilling Jesus' prophecy just six days earlier.
Peter is thrilled, this extraordinary experience is blowing his mind, and he doesn't want it to end. And he says:
"IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE"
Here we have the miraculous Jesus. His face was as the sun. His raiment was as white as light. This experience had a lasting effect upon Peter.
2 Peter 1:17-18
"For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount."
And to say that Jesus didn't claim to be the Holy One of God is ridiculous. Time after time he came before them in glory making himself equal with God. In fact, Jesus demands that we understand that he is equal with God.
John 5:36
"I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me."
If you see him, and the miraculous works he does, you see the Father. No other evidence is needed. He wants us to know that even if you can't believe his words at least believe the miracles you see. And blessed are those who believe but have not seen. There is a special kind of blessing in faith that comes by hearing alone. Mountain top experiences are always wonderful, but nothing beats faithfulness that is rooted in the Word of God.
Okay, so back to the mountaintop.
This manifestation of the presence of God was more than the disciples could handle, and they fell on their faces in fear. How long they remained there we don't know. Probably as they were like this, they're catching quick little glimpses of Jesus, Moses and Elijah as they are having a conversation about which we do not know. I wonder what it was they were talking about. Possibly reporting on the happenings going on in Jerusalem, or maybe the works of the enemy and his allies. Maybe he's simply making these kingdom figures aware of his plans to go into Jerusalem and be persecuted unto death. Whatever the case, eventually the disciples look up and Jesus is there alone. Moses and Elijah are now gone from the scene.
And there standing before them, and us, is the complete fulfillment of both the law and the prophets. He is the embodiment of glory, the glorious substance of things hoped for. The foundation of our faith. Faith is a quality that God has built into each of us, and Jesus is the founder of that faith. Our faith relationship is built on that trust. And without that faith it is impossible to please God.
As they came down from the mountain of transfiguration, a man came from the crowd kneeling at Jesus' feet and begging for mercy for his demon possessed son. The disciples were unable to help him. And Jesus seems a bit put out with the situation.
Matthew 17:17
"O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, how long shall I suffer you?"
It's not that Jesus is tired of having these people around constantly wanting something miraculous from him. It's the apparent lack of faith that these people have. They're his disciples, his students, empowered by him and The Holy Spirit, but somehow one's measure of faith can limit that power.
The disciples come to Jesus asking why they couldn't cast out the demon and the answer is, "Because of your unbelief." Faith can do wonders but there are some things it cannot do. Faith did not keep Daniel or his companions from the den of lions, or the fiery furnace. Men and women of faith have been tortured, scourged, imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two, slain with the sword, they've been destituted, afflicted, and tormented. Faith cannot protect anyone from the wicked ways of evil people. There is not a single case in the scriptures where faith is used for personal gain. It is not an instrument for getting our will done, but rather it's a means by which we get aligned with God's will.
Great faith is not manifested in our escaping all kinds of suffering, it's a trust that keeps us in the will and purpose of God if our walk should call for suffering from us. Faith may not always provide an escape, but it will provide acceptance. And in order for that faith to be great it absolutely must be founded in the Glory of God who is Jesus Christ.
Have a blessed day. Grow in your faith. Be blessed in Jesus' name.
Amen
#JesusIsKing