And while He was praying.…Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” (Luke 9:29, 35 NAS95)
Last week we noted that Peter, James and John joined Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. Amazing, awe-inspiring things took place in the midst of growing in their life of prayer. The three underwent a soul-shaping event. As you know, two others appeared on that mountain with Jesus. While Peter did not quite understand the presence of Moses or Elijah, God did. The message He had for the three contains real encouragement for us with regard to the availability of Jesus. The Father stepped in to graciously encourage Peter, James and John to listen to His Son, to listen to Jesus.
Peter, until that point, had understood Jesus as among equals with Moses and Elijah. The Father, however, desired to clarify Jesus' uniqueness and preeminence: Listen to My Son. Jesus, Son of God, Messiah, came to fulfill what He had Moses and Elijah express in their ministries. They had listened to Him, both in life and in prayer. Now not only the three and the rest of the apostles, but all of us who believe because of their word, receive encouragement to listen to Jesus. Jesus still speaks. He speaks to us, not at the level of revelation, but definitely to us in our circumstances, life and ministry. The Father simply encouraged Peter, James and John, and now us, to listen to Jesus, to hear His heart, and pursue His desires. The question that persists for me throughout the day asks if I am listening to Jesus. I want to be attuned to Him.
For Reflection:
“My ears You have opened.” (Psalms 40:6 NAS95)”
- How do you go about preparing to hear from Jesus? What helps?
- What are the kinds of things that easily distract you from openness to the presence of Christ?
