Clueless Babbling to the Almighty

Text: Luke 9:28-36 Theme: Peter demonstrated his ignorance to God’s plan and presence when he talked rather than listened. Key verses: “…he took Peter, John and James with him and went up to a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.” (v. 28-29) “Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory.” (v. 32) “…Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master…let us put up three shelters…’ (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them…A voice came from the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” (v. 33-35) What God said to me: There are several clues as to why Peter was apparently clueless in this story: They had gone up there to pray, yet Peter was “sleepy,” and not at all alert. Also, when I am clearly doing something extraordinary among my people, it is not the time to come up with your own game plan. Peter did not use good judgement and clear thinking before he blurted out his idea to Jesus. Finally, Peter was caught up in the moment so much that he missed the much bigger picture of what I might have been up to. All he knew was what his own eyes saw and his mind enjoyed. He wanted to preserve that amazing moment for himself and his friends. Therefore, he was doing all he could to help them all stay there together. Peter didn’t realize that Jesus couldn’t stay there. He had a mission to fulfill. Peter never stopped to ask himself, “What is God doing here? Why is he allowing us to be a part and witness the miraculous?” You see, Dwayne, I never reveal myself to you for you to keep me to yourself. Stay on the mountain long enough to meet with me and listen to what I have to say. Then, willingly and boldly leave that holy moment and go back down to where the people are. Maintain a listening heart and make every moment you walk in this world a holy moment as well — because you know I am initiating an leading everyone of them. What I said to God: Jesus, Lord and Savior, Master of my life, I yeild to You right now. I confess how I too often babble on in Your presence when my first priority should always be to listen and only move as You direct me. Help me and my family be more and more sensitive to how You are at work around us. Thank You for the example of humaness we see in Peter that gives us hope of mercy now and maturity to come.