Peter’s Mountain
“Hear ye him…” —Matthew 17:5
Read Matthew 17:1-13
The sight of the Lord Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration was something that would not be soon forgotten. The Lord’s face shone as the sun while He communicated with Moses and Elijah. How impressive this was! Peter wanted to capture this moment, and therefore proposed that they build three tents for them. However, by saying this he played into the hands of the devil. Satan wanted the Lord Jesus to stay upon the mount – or anywhere else for that matter – as long as it prevented Him from going to Golgotha.
But suddenly the voice of God the Father is heard, saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matthew 17:5). When the disciples heard God’s voice, they trembled and fell to the ground. They did not dare to raise their eyes. Have you ever heard the voice of God speaking to you? When the holy and righteous God speaks, we will resemble the trembling disciples and become silent. I believe that the disciples were afraid of being consumed by this perfect and righteous God in whose eyes they were found guilty.
Peter did not repeat his request but remained prostrate on the ground. Moses and Elijah vanished and the Lord remained silent. Silence reigned when the Lord stooped down to touch them. Then He said to them: “Arise and be not afraid.” And when they looked up they saw Jesus alone. Moses and Elijah were removed, for Moses and Elijah could not be of any help to them, because they represented the law and the prophets, and could only pronounce judgment.
But Jesus remained, as the Fulfiller of the law. How low the Lord Jesus stooped to meet His followers, and how mercifully did He also raise them up. This was the work He came to fulfill.
Why did Peter want to stay on the mount?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.