17
Listen To Him
Jon Burgess“For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.” 2 Peter 1:16-18
The Apostle Peter is recalling with vivid clarity the moment he, James and John saw Jesus transfigured and speaking with Moses and Elijah. Who would forget a moment like that right? I had to laugh as I read this because Peter failed to mention one tiny detail- He was interrupted by God The Father. You see Matthew 17 reveals that Peter kept talking about his plans for a 5 star Tabernacle for all to come an worship. Matthew 17:5 states that while Peter was speaking a bright cloud overshadowed them and the voice of God said, This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, listen to Him. I'm no accusing Peter of revisionist history because as you read his letter you can see he learned his lesson. He is exhorting the church to stop what they are doing and saying so they can start paying attention to what God is doing and saying.
I really needed this reminder this morning. If there's any time of year when I need to stop talking and start listening it's right now. The irony is that I'm doing a lot of talking reminding my church to do more listening. Just like most everyone else that night in Bethlehem I can get so caught up in what I want to do for God or for myself that I'm not actually noticing what He is doing. Like Peter on the mountain, like Martha in the kitchen, like the Priests in the temple I can easily miss the whole point of this season! Emmanuel God With Us because He wants to talk to me. I don't want Jesus to have to leave a voicemail that I don't answer until next year after the holidays are over. He revealed Himself at the incarnation, the transfiguration, the crucifixion, the resurrection, the ascension so that I would listen to Him because He actually wants a moment by moment relationship with me!
Lord, whether I ever actually get a silent night this Christmas season I want to silence myself before You have to silence me. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me
