The Father is Patient When Peter Highlights his Own Abilities in a Holy Moment
During the month of October I am trying to show several times where Peter’s 1) failures or 2) actual sin reveals Jesus’ patience and instruction. Subsequently we can understand that this also reveals the Father’s patience & instruction.
Interestingly in Matthew 17:1-13 we see exactly that. Jesus takes Peter, James & John up a high mountain and is transfigured before them. The Shekinah Glory that only appeared over the Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament covers Jesus, emanating from His body! His human disguise is momentarily put aside while He talks with Moses and Elijah about His “departure” or death (Luke 9:31). In an abrupt manner Peter dares to speak in the middle of this supernatural moment. He assures Jesus that “It is good that we are here!” Peter informs these three that he could construct three shelters for them to rest or dwell in! It would be comical if the moment wasn’t so “other-worldly!”
It is difficult to know WHY Peter is speaking! No one is speaking to him. It is fascinating that he didn’t merely watch and learn during such an overwhelming event! Regardless, what occurs is amazing. The Father himself does what Jesus does. ’“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.’ (Matt 17:5) The Father himself is patient with Peter’s foolishness and actually instructs him. “Peter, close your mouth and keep your eyes on Jesus.”
Imagine yourself somehow being present in a conversation between Billy Graham, Bill Bright and a secret leader of the Chinese underground church. They are discussing events so profound that you struggle to understand the issues. Then, for some reason, you blunder in with some completely random idea and break the flow of the entire conversation and inadvertently put all the focus on yourself! That is kind of what Peter did.
I don’t know that this is “sin” or just a huge “screw up” – but it clearly reveals the patience and instruction of both Jesus and, even, the Father! (Remember, the Father is the One who sits on the Throne from Revelation 4 & 5 and Daniel 7:9-10)
When they dare to open their eyes, they only see Jesus. Notice that Jesus doesn’t find fault with Peter. Jesus is patient. All He says is “Don’t be afraid.”
I like this event because Peter screws up in the middle of an extremely marvelous and supernatural moment reveals not only Jesus patience, but the Father’s as well! God Is Just Like Jesus! And Jesus is Just Like God!
Prayer: “Father, I delight in your patience and instruction! Whether it is sin or just a screw up, I know you won’t reject me but will work with me in patience to “grow me up!” That gives me confidence to “go for it” and serve you with my whole heart! I want to be just like you. Help me be patient with my family, friends and people I work with! Your amazing!”
