“Listen To The Lord Jesus Christ !”(Mt.17:1-8).
“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.”
The voice and words that spoke from heaven when Jesus came out of the water after his baptism were repeated on the hill of transfiguration.
The message of the transfiguration was:
- It was a revelation of the glory of the Son of God, a glory though hidden to be fully revealed when Jesus returns(II Thes.1:10).
- It was a confirmation of the difficult teaching Jesus gave his disciples at Caesarea Philippi(Mt.16:13-20)
- Lastly, this was a beneficial experience for his disciples who were discouraged after having been so recently reminded of his impending suffering and death(Mt.16:21).
However, typical of human reasoning, Peter wanted to use the occasion to their advantage: “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
This most selfish suggestion is the reason why people twist constitutions so as to remain in power. Peter knew that “a king’s dog is the king of dogs.” “It is good for us to be here…” What about the others down in the valley? In his mind, the answer is, “Who cares! To hell with those down in the valley! Our comfort up here is what matters!
The place of action and service was down in the valley where the masses were. Apostles are called to be servants and not lords living in Ivy Towers!
As they were contemplating, “a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!'”
The three were terrified and fell facedown to the ground. Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.”
Oh yes! When we are terrified and are at a loss on what next step to take, the Master’s voice of assurance speaks encouragement: “Get up. Don’t be afraid.”
And the voice of the Lord points us to Christ, saying, “Listen to him!” When we listen to the Lord, he will lead us, guide us, and guard us as we serve him in the valley where duty and responsibility calls!
Don’t be selfish to want to remain at the top!
Sunday prayer: Holy Spirit, help us to see the Lord’s glory, listen to him, and obey him. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
25/01/2026.