Matthew 17, Msg

Sunlight Poured from His Face
17 1-3 Six days later, three of them saw that glory. Jesus took Peter and the brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him.

4 Peter broke in, “Master, this is a great moment! What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain—one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah?”

5 While he was going on like this, babbling, a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to him.”

6-8 When the disciples heard it, they fell flat on their faces, scared to death. But Jesus came over and touched them. “Don’t be afraid.” When they opened their eyes and looked around all they saw was Jesus, only Jesus.

9 Coming down the mountain, Jesus swore them to secrecy. “Don’t breathe a word of what you’ve seen. After the Son of Man is raised from the dead, you are free to talk.”

10 The disciples, meanwhile, were asking questions. “Why do the religion scholars say that Elijah has to come first?”

11-13 Jesus answered, “Elijah does come and get everything ready. I’m telling you, Elijah has already come but they didn’t know him when they saw him. They treated him like dirt, the same way they are about to treat the Son of Man.” That’s when the disciples realized that all along he had been talking about John the Baptizer.

Too many times we, like Peter, want to memorialize the place instead of the Person of Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives. He comes to us, not so we can put up a milestone, marker or monument, but to show us Who He is and What He can do in and through us as His children. Besides that, there are not enough materials on earth to erect monuments commemorating all He has done for us! Praise and glorify God, the Father, Jesus Christ as Lord and be guided by His Holy Spirit living in us.

We are free to talk! Let’s tell the story of Jesus FROM the mountain that is heaped with His unconditional love, mercy and grace! Look full into His glorious face each morning before facing the world. His light in us will draw others to Him!

Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word energizes our faith and our love for You yet again! We love you, adore Who your are and want what you want for us. Lead and guide us. Don’t let us fall for mere memories but move forward to grow deeper in love with You. We praise and honor You and give You all the glory! In Jesus Name, Amen.