by Adam Johnson
And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." Matthew 17:4-5
Peter is the one disciple who usually speaks before he thinks. He is putting equal emphasis on the Lord's stature, and the stature of two OT saints. The Father quickly puts an end to this line of thinking for Peter by telling all present that Jesus is the only Son. Peter also thinks that because they just witnessed the Transfiguration with Jesus that they should make a tent of meeting for each. He quickly thought that by taking action that he could gain favor with all three figures.
We often think that by taking action we can excuse thoughtlessness, lack of prayer, or preparation. Peter wanted to be recognized by these great men, and praised for his actions. We today do not have the Father speaking to us out of a cloud, "And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place..." (2 Pet 1:19). Peter said this verse in his epistle mentioning this very moment of his life. No doubt it left a great impression on him, and looking back he realized it was the written word over any moment or emotion he felt throughout his life. It is not for us to simply take action or be zealous for good works, but have the spiritual grounding to have right motives, thoughts, and actions. This grounding only comes through immersion into the very Words of God. We must recognize the power of how God works in our lives through the Word.
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