Hello, I’m Daniel Westfall on the channel “Pray With Me”.

In the Old Testament, Moses climbed Mt. Sinai to meet God and receive the Ten Commandments. Afterward, he built God’s tent, the tabernacle, which God filled with glory. 

In Mark 9 Jesus also climbed a mountain. God shone his glory, and Moses and Elijah came to speak with Jesus. Once again, God spoke.

But not before Peter offered his bit of wisdom. “Why don’t we build three tabernacles?  One each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah” (Mark 9:5). 

Is Peter’s suggestion weird, or what? It’s so weird that the gospel writer apologizes on Peter’s behalf. “He didn’t know what to say, they were so frightened,” says Mark (Mark 9:6). 

For me, it’s usually better to stay silent when I’m out of my depth. But it wasn’t Peter who taught me that lesson.  

After Peter’s suggestion, God intervened saying, “This is my  son whom I love. Listen to him” (Mark 9:7). 

My comments. 

Peter partly understood what was happening. On a mountain, God gave Moses the law and blueprints for a tabernacle. On a mountain, God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice. And now, on a mountain, Jesus, Elijah, and Moses were together. Clearly, Peter was witnessing an important historical event. 

In Peter’s mind, God’s glory, the three famous men, and the history of mountain top experiences converged and stirred his imagination. His mindset: “We could start a movement here. Let’s make the tabernacle great again. Let’s make the old-time religion of Elijah great again. This time it’ll be even better because Jesus is here!”  

Peter was badly confused. Jesus’ mission was not to make Moses and Elijah great again. Jesus had a different mission, that Peter was struggling to grasp. 

Fortunately, God spoke into Peter’s confusion. He pointed to Jesus: “This is the son I love. Listen to him.” The time for Moses’ ministry and Elijah’s ministry was past. It was time to hear what Jesus had to say. 

Let’s pray. 

O father, we hear many voices in scripture. Commandments from Moses the lawgiver. Miracles and judgment from Elijah the prophet. Peter’s impulsive voice, Let’s start a Three Tents movement. 

Help us listen to Jesus, the son you love. Peter identified Jesus as your anointed one, the Messiah, the Christ. This we need. Not the law, not the prophets, but your son, setting things right for us.

Give us ears to hear his voice, discernment to understand his message, faithfulness to follow his call. Help us not to live in the past, trying to restore the religion of our fathers. Help us to face the future where Jesus is leading us. 

Amen. 

I’m Daniel, on the channel “Pray with Me”.  

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