We All Fall Down...
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be on the Mountain of Transfiguration with Jesus when Moses and Elijah suddenly appeared?
2 After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them. 3 His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus.
5 Peter answered Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let's make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 6 For he didn't know what to say, for they were very afraid.
7 A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
8 Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Jesus only [Mark 9: 2-8, WEB].
Imagine what it was like. Jesus selected only Peter, James, and John to go to the top of the mountain, while the other nine had to deal with the people below. I am sure the three disciples were pleased to be chosen to go up the mountain with Jesus, but after their arduous climb, they faced a surreal situation. Jesus' appearance began to change; his clothes [worn and stained with travel] became glistening white, and then Moses and Elijah suddenly stood with Jesus.
How shocked the disciples must have felt! The Scriptures said they were afraid, and then Peer interrupted the conversation, babbling about building tents. Immediately the disciples were surrounded by a cloud, and a voice boomed, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to HIm [!]"
or in other words,
"Be quiet! Let My Son speak without your foolish interruptions!"
How often we act foolishly in a sacred moment because we don't know what to do! Not too long ago, I attended a worship service in which we sang various songs, including some of the Scripture songs that were popular when I was a young believer. Suddenly, the atmosphere changed as the Holy Spirit manifested His presence. Spontaneous singing occurred, and we sang several songs not planned for that service. Then someone said, "Well, you know that reminds me of . . ."
The service continued, but the sweet presence of the Lord departed. I almost cried, but the Lord reminded me of Peter in Mark 9. Peter spoke when he should have been silent, but God did not disqualify him. God understands how easily we can panic when we lose control, especially when logic does not fit our circumstances. He continues to love and encourage us to trust Him with all our hearts and souls. He enables us to learn to listen to the silence of His presence when the Holy Spirit desires to minister directly to people's hearts.....
As I write this, my dog lies outside the study door, waiting for me to appear. He awaits patiently, not knowing what I might do next but trusting that I will come for him. Now the Lord wants us to rest at His feet, watching to see what He will do and awaiting His commands. So we are to watch and follow our Lord--and not interrupt the Holy Spirit when He speaks.
Yes, we will fail the Lord. We will fall on our faces at times. Thanks be to God that He picks us up and gives us new opportunities to obey Him and show His love to others.
