Matthew 17:1-9 (NRSV)
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Chapter 17Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. Verse 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Verse 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Verse 4Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Verse 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" Verse 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. Verse 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." Verse 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. Verse 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
Devotion
I love Peter. He can go from saying something quite profound one minute to saying something so naļve the next. His first inclination after seeing Moses, Elijah and Jesus is to build three tents. He launches into a monologue: "Lord, it is good for us to be here... blah, blah, blah." I don't mean disrespect, because as I said, I love Peter. He reminds me of me. I often have launched into a let's-do-something-about-this mode when the more appropriate response would be to just take in the moment. Peter wanted to act when it was a time of beholding and worship. And God—perhaps with a godly eye-roll—had to interrupt Peter while he was still speaking.
The world's adage is, "Don't just stand there, do something." In some instances God asks us, "Don't just do something, stand there." Be still. Listen. Praise. Then act.
Prayer
Father, we are so busy talking that we forget to listen. Still our tongue, calm our spirit, and help us to hear you. Amen.