Mark 9.2-8 And after six days Jesus taketh [with him] Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
This glorious account of the transfiguration of Jesus is an event that is filled with practical application for us today. The contextual meaning is clear and simple. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. There is no denying that both Moses and Elijah were called and ordained by God to speak His truth to His people. On that holy mount, The Father intervenes at Peter’s request to build 3 booths, one for Moses, Elijah and Jesus with the proclamation, this is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased, hear Him.
Oh how much this word is needed. While it is right to acknowledge and heed the teaching of godly men that God raises up to feed His bride, the church, there is a tendency, like Peter, to want to build a monument to them. Much like when Israel wanted Gideon and his son to Lord over then after he led Israel in that miraculous victory over the Midianites. We too tend to “latch on” to this teacher or that preacher. Before you know it, you are quoting that preacher or teacher more than quoting the Only Begotten Son of God. We are naturally bent to want to follow someone. Whether it be Apollos, Peter or Paul. God would say to us today. Pray for and encourage those men whose teaching blesses and encourages you, but never put them on a pedestal. It has been to the detriment of the body when we allow the very instruments of God become the cause of division and dissension in the body of Christ. When the body of Christ is divided, Who bleeds?
May we ever learn to appreciate the many instruments that God raises up to bless us and nourish us in our walk with Jesus. But let be ever so careful to not build a booth or monument around that man or the movement birthed by him. The One Voice that we need to hear points to The One and Only Son of God, Jesus Christ. Who died for our sin on the cross, rose from the dead, and is seated at the right hand of The Father. This same Jesus is coming back for His bride the church. Hear Him, beloved. Worship Him, dear ones, and serve Him in truth with all of your hearts. Be a follower of Christ, not the ones who are called to point you to Him.
