Word@Work 100 - Mark 9:5-8
Published: Thu, 04/10/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 9:5-8 Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" Suddenly, when they looked round, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. (NIV)
It is good advice, that, "when you don't know what to say, don't say it!" Peter was too impetuous for that. Or perhaps his recent stinging rebuke from Jesus, mixed with pride, precipitated this thoughtless outburst in an attempt to appear 'on-side'. With Jesus flanked by Moses and Elijah, Peter might have thought this was the beginning of Christ's reign on earth. There was no time to build a palace, but a tent could be constructed out the brush wood. It would honour them and 'own' them. The patronage of the disciples would cover the visitors leaving them indebted for the hospitality!
Not so. It was God who was in control that day (as He is every day)! The divine cloud that swallowed them up spoke to the trio of disciples. God said that Jesus was His Son and that they were to listen to Him (not argue with Him!). As soon as the shining sight had appeared, it went again. Jesus only was left. They had no need of the cloud or Moses or Elijah - they simply pointed forwards to Jesus. Christ was enough and all sufficient; He alone could bring them through the cross to the glory.
It has become fashionable to debate the merits of Jesus, placing Him alongside prophets and gurus. But God's word to us is, "Listen to him!" We should do so because: He is God the Son; because the Father's love for Him is so intense that anyone who slights Jesus, has the Father's wrath to face; and because God commands us to listen. Why not get your Bible out and show a friend or colleague what Jesus says? After all the discussions, your friend needs to listen to Jesus!
Prayer: Father God. You have commanded me to listen to Jesus, so I know I must. Help me to realise the seriousness of your instruction, and its eternity changing impact on me and my family and friends. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
It is good advice, that, "when you don't know what to say, don't say it!" Peter was too impetuous for that. Or perhaps his recent stinging rebuke from Jesus, mixed with pride, precipitated this thoughtless outburst in an attempt to appear 'on-side'. With Jesus flanked by Moses and Elijah, Peter might have thought this was the beginning of Christ's reign on earth. There was no time to build a palace, but a tent could be constructed out the brush wood. It would honour them and 'own' them. The patronage of the disciples would cover the visitors leaving them indebted for the hospitality!
Not so. It was God who was in control that day (as He is every day)! The divine cloud that swallowed them up spoke to the trio of disciples. God said that Jesus was His Son and that they were to listen to Him (not argue with Him!). As soon as the shining sight had appeared, it went again. Jesus only was left. They had no need of the cloud or Moses or Elijah - they simply pointed forwards to Jesus. Christ was enough and all sufficient; He alone could bring them through the cross to the glory.
It has become fashionable to debate the merits of Jesus, placing Him alongside prophets and gurus. But God's word to us is, "Listen to him!" We should do so because: He is God the Son; because the Father's love for Him is so intense that anyone who slights Jesus, has the Father's wrath to face; and because God commands us to listen. Why not get your Bible out and show a friend or colleague what Jesus says? After all the discussions, your friend needs to listen to Jesus!
Prayer: Father God. You have commanded me to listen to Jesus, so I know I must. Help me to realise the seriousness of your instruction, and its eternity changing impact on me and my family and friends. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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