Listen Up!

If only Peter could capture the magic of this moment. Jesus had brought them up on this mountain to give them new perspective – and what a sight opened up in front of them!

Peter had often seen Jesus deep in prayer, but this time, without explanation, Jesus’ appearance began glistening with sunlight. Lightning lingered about his face, searing light. Ancient history came to life before their eyes as Moses and Elijah emerged out of thin air and joined the conversation.

Unaccustomed to paranormal things, Peter quivered with perplexity and dismay. He always felt more comfortable when he was at the center of things and influencing outcomes. Instinctively he grasped for something he could do or some way he could contribute to the discussion. His mind engineered tents of hospitality and he proposed his plan.

Nobody commented on his suggestion, but while he was still speaking, as if in reply, a cloud swept over the mountain and wrapped itself around them like a fatherly bear-hug. And out of the brightness of the cloud a voice spoke saying, “this is my Son, whom I love; listen to him.” Matthew 17:5.

Imagine God speaking out of a cloud! Like the storm clouds of Sinai when the law was given… and the bright cloud of glory that filled the tabernacle … and the soaring cloud that led the way through the unmapped wilderness … and the wisp of cloud that foretold the coming of Elijah’s monsoon rains - clouds revealing the mystery and radiance of God’s glory. And here on another cloud-wrapped mountain God showing up again on his ‘chariot-cloud’ (Psalm 104:3) with a fresh revelation for Jesus’ slow-witted disciples.

They never forgot the voice that spoke to them from the cloud. It spoke of God’s affection and esteem for their friend Jesus and urged them – and us - to pay attention to him. In a word – Listen. Listen to Jesus.

Jesus is God’s chosen One, God’s beloved, the One to listen to. He is the prophet, the Teacher, the Word, the One who communicates the mystery and magnificence of God to us. He embodies in his life and words the self-giving love of God.

Jesus is the Heart-whisperer and he invites us to listen to the still small voice of his Spirit. While Peter – and we - want to do something to validate ourselves, the cloud tells us to shut up and listen!

Photo Credits:
African Transfiguration: Jesusmafa.com
Clounds Rolling in: Go to the World
Blue Transfiguration: Macha Chmakoff