Hannah Lang

Bold, enthusiastic, a leader! Impulsive, strong-willed, prideful, sinful. For better and for worse, I can identify with Peter. I love getting down to business, moving things along, speaking my mind, and acting quickly.

In today’s passage, Peter comes face-to-face with a transfigured Jesus, illuminated in glory. Bright and radiant and awe-some! Moses and Elijah also appear beside Jesus, surely causing the other two disciples to drop their jaws. But was Peter stunned silent? No sir! Instead of being consumed by the beauty and power of the moment, instead of simply dwelling in the presence of his Lord, Peter jumps up & blurts out, “This is a great moment! Let’s not waste it! I’ll build some tents and…”

Right before him is Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the prophets), and Jesus, clearly being revealed as the perfect fulfillment of both! What a magnificent sight to be allowed! Truly a “mountaintop moment” in the life of Jesus, and Peter almost missed it.

How often do I miss the magnitude of what God is doing around me, because I’m so focused on my own agenda? How often do I busy myself instead of simply dwelling in the presence of My Lord? It’s not about me, it’s about Christ revealed—God’s glorious son, who humbled Himself, for me and for the whole world.

We pray:

Lord, forgive me when I am selfishly distracted from You. Interrupt my life, and help me to dwell in Your presence. Amen.