MATTHEW 17:1-8

“1 Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. 2 And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!’ 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. 7 And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, ‘Get up, and do not be afraid.’ 8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.”

When we read this story in Matthew when Jesus took Peter, James and John, we normally focus on the appearance of Moses and Elijah and the transfiguration of Jesus. That’s understandable. That would have been totally amazing. I can’t imagine what Peter was thinking. It’s no wonder he asked to build tabernacles (tents) for them. He was awestruck.

But I want us to look at what God said. A bright cloud appeared and a voice (God’s voice) said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” Look at those last three words. God tells them to listen to Jesus. What a reminder for us. We may not see Jesus transfigured or see Moses and Elijah, but we need to listen to His beloved Son.

APPLICATION

How many times a day do you say to your child, “Listen to me”? Why do you say that? Because you want them to hear what you say. Are your words worth hearing? Before you say “yes,” are you sure? The next time you say, “Listen to me,” ask yourself if you are listening.

You see, you can’t expect your kids to listen if you aren’t listening to God. He may not take you on a mountain of transfiguration, but He is telling you to listen to His Son. What is He telling you? What is Jesus saying right now? He is the same transfigured Son of God and wants you to listen to Him as much as He wanted Peter to listen. Will you?

Sometimes our listening gets sidetracked by our looking. Peter, James and John were so enamored by the sights. God had to tell them to listen. Will you stop looking so intently that your ears stop working? Stop, get quiet and listen today. You may just hear exactly what the Lord wants you to do.

My ears are open. I bow my head before You and yield to Your leading. Speak to me!