Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
A Voice Out of the Cloud
Today’s Verse:
Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. ~Matthew 17:4-5
Our devotion this morning centers on Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration. It was at that moment that the Lord Jesus revealed Himself in the effulgence of His glory. It was there on that mountain that Jesus transformed Himself in holy, radiating splendor. It was a moment to behold and one that would be forever memorable. Peter, James, and John were there with Jesus. Their perception of what had happened was received with the wrong idea in mind. It was at a very quick instant that God the Father stepped into the picture and made a necessary interruption. God sometimes has to send an interruption into our life to correct our thinking, understanding, and application.
There is the prelude before an interruption.
Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John high up on a mountain to pray. This inner circle of three had the benefit of a special, private time with Jesus. It’s hard to say, but you may wonder if they took for granted that Jesus took them up there. You may wonder if they grasped the importance of private time with Jesus. You may wonder if they desired to improve their prayer life. We must be careful that we do not minimize our private time with the Lord and the opportunities that we have to improve our prayer life. Jesus had a divine purpose in mind for them, but they did not grasp it as they made their journey to the top.
There is the preeminence in an interruption.
After they reached the top, Jesus transfigured Himself before them. It was a sight and moment to behold. As He transfigured Himself, Moses and Elijah appeared with Him and spoke with Him. Moses represented the Law, and Elijah represented the prophets. Jesus was full of grace and truth. Peter was the first to say something about this marvelous sight. He suggested that they make three tabernacles in honor of Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. As soon as he spoke this, God the Father spoke and made an open and understandable statement to the three disciples. God the Father made a divine interruption. He covered them with a cloud. Then, He countered them with a claim. He interrupted Peter from bringing Jesus to the level of a Jewish hero. Peter and the others needed to realize then and there that God was speaking and that their focus needed to be on the Lord Jesus!
There is the priority from an interruption.
These three men were startled, were shaken, and fell on their faces. Jesus comforted them by telling them to arise and not be afraid. When they looked up, they saw no man, save Jesus only. God the Father sent a public announcement from Heaven to interrupt these men. His interruption was designed to shake their conscience in realizing that the only One in the picture deserving of their attention, adoration, affection, and adulation was the Lord Jesus. Seeing Jesus only is seeing the picture correctly. Seeing Jesus only is seeing the priority in life. Seeing Jesus only is seeing that it is not about us or other people, but it is always about Jesus. Seeing Jesus only is the main thing that matters. Do you see Jesus only?
God sends interruptions into our life whenever our focus is wrong and our intentions are confused. Divine interruptions correct us at the needed time. Do you hear God’s voice telling you that the center of your life must be Jesus only?
Have a Jesus-only God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Acts 4-6
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