More...Listening

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!” 
Matthew 17:5

I like to hear the sound of my own voice. I sometimes speak out loud when I am by myself. I like to hear the sound of myself sharing my thoughts. While this isn’t inherently wrong, it can sometimes get in the way of hearing what God wants to say to me. You see, usually when I speak to myself I am not waiting for Him to speak but am voicing what I want first.

That very well may have been Peter’s issue when he was on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus. He wants Jesus. That is not in doubt. But was Jesus truly enough for Peter? Or was he easily distracted by the appearance of two of his heroes in the faith?

One minute Peter is with Jesus, enjoying some much needed respite from the crowds and demands and the next minute Jesus is shining, glowing as though He has somehow become nuclear! And with Him are two men Peter recognized instantly! Moses and Elijah! His lifelong heroes!

No doubt Peter was afraid. Mark tells us as much. Mark’s gospel is likely told through the experience of Peter. (Mark 9:5-6) Mark relates Peter’s story, “I didn’t know what to say!” (my paraphrase)

Indeed, what do you say when the man you have walked hundreds of miles with, had conversations with, who you thought you knew pretty well suddenly becomes bursting light? And if that wasn’t enough two of your faith heroes show up too! I would submit that the human brain damaged by its sin nature can’t fully grasp that sort of reality.

Peter, in his shock, blurts out, “Let’s build some shrines! You can have one, Jesus. And yes, I’ll make a couple for Moses and Elijah as well! Just give the word!” Somehow Peter has yet to connect all the dots. He has not yet come to understand that it is Jesus who is preeminent. Peter has betrayed his own heart. Jesus is his hero, yes. But he has other heroes as well. He is willing to give these lesser heroes equal billing. Jesus has not yet become his all in all.

Before another word can be spoken, the whole mountain is enveloped with something like a cloud, but one that glows with light rather than covering everything in shadow and darkness. Papa God has shown up and He’s not messing around. “Pay attention! This is my Son, whom I love dearly and who pleases me completely. Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5, my paraphrase)

Listen to Him. I have ruminated on just that phrase all day long. Do I really listen? Or do I respond to Jesus in much the same manner Peter demonstrates on the mountain? Do I make lesser things equal to or greater than Jesus? It is an important question. And if I truly want more of God, I need to pay attention to what God tells me to do.

Listen.

Listen instead of clamoring to get my own way.

Listen instead of yelling and screaming out of the pain of my own circumstances.
Listen when I think I’ve got things figured out...because I really don’t.
Listen when life seems to be going well and I don’t seem to have any cares.
Listen when life is falling apart.

Listen...  

Always.

When I am listening I am more apt to speak helpful, God glorifying things. I am more in tune with His desires.  I am more able to put away lesser things.  I am more apt to be worshipful.  My heart more openly beats with desire for Him!  More of Him!

Today I leave you with the words from a song written by the worshipper, Matt Redman:

You are God in heaven

And here am I on earth

So I'll let my words be few

Jesus, I am so in love with You

And I'll stand in awe of You, Jesus

Yes, I'll stand in awe of You

And I'll let my words be few

Jesus, I am so in love with You

The simplest of all love songs

I want to bring to You

So I'll let my words be few

Jesus, I am so in love with You