The Moment God Interrupted Peter
A reminder from Matthew 17 that insight is no substitute for obedience.
Have you ever been in the presence of something miraculous? I mean there was no doubt about it - you’ve seen God move, and you’ve seen people respond. There’s no confusion about what just happened, God was here. Maybe it was a little less pronounced, but nevertheless, it got you thinking.
For too long, you begin to think that you have some things figured out. You think you know exactly what’s going on, and at some point you tell yourself something along these lines: “OK, it’s time for me to talk now, everyone needs to here what I’m thinking. I can’t deprive people of my great idea.”
Matthew 17:1–8
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
Imagine Peter seeing Jesus glorified the way he was on the Mount of Transfiguration. And standing there with Jesus are Moses and Elijah - there’s no doubt Peter surely must’ve felt blessed to be in the presence of such a mighty work of God. But then Peter has an idea. He thinks he has an answer everybody needs to hear, to a question nobody has asked, only to be interrupted by God the Father, who continues speaking right over Peter as if he wasn’t even there at all.
Have you been there? A moment when you thought everyone should take notice of your big idea and appreciate your deep insight.
Fortunately, for Peter, in that moment, he heard the voice of God and it reminded him that what was going happening. This moment wasn’t about him or his ideas. It wasn’t Moses, and it wasn’t Elijah. The focus was on Jesus Christ alone. Peter quickly adjusted himself, and by “adjusted himself”, I mean, he changed his entire posture. He wasn’t standing up trying to get everybody’s attention anymore. He was on his face, acknowledging and who he was in the presence of God Almighty.
And then, after Peter got himself and his thinking right, he looked up, and all he could see was Jesus.
What about you? Are you relying on your own insights instead of listening to the voice of God? Is God trying to get your attention while you’re busy speaking up because you want to everyone focused on you? Pay attention, God may be calling your attention to someone more important than you in this very moment - Jesus.
If you think you’re just trying to get God’s attention, maybe it’s time to close your mouth, set aside your own ideas, and be still for a little while.
And when you hear God’s voice, don’t lift your eyes until you’re sure that when you do, you won’t see anything in front of you - except Jesus.
Here’s some extra food for thought:
The ideas you think are so important, are probably not near as important as you think they are.
Do you think politics are so important that it should take all your time and attention? Do you think your political skills come in handy in heaven? Or that we will get to debate over who should be in charge or whose ideas should move forward? Somebody tried that once and it didn’t turn out well.
“Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world…” - John 18:36
Do you think your career is the most important thing? Who do you think gave you your career? Where do you think opportunity comes from?
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” James 1:17
Does an education take center stage in your thought thoughts? What’s the point of your education? What do you plan to do with it? Do you want it to serve yourself? Your community? Or is your main objective to use it to serve God?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” Proverbs 1:7
“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom…” Daniel 1:17
Do you think the main thing right now is keeping some kind of score? What are you playing for? How long are you going to be able to hold on to your winnings?
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” Matthew 6:19–20
“But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth…” Deuteronomy 8:18