Heralds Digest

  “ And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.” Mark 9 : 7 - 8 KJV While there is no doubt that a steadfast look on Jesus produces transformation of life, it is often difficult for anyone to sustain the gaze on Jesus in the midst of distraction by comparative celebrity, compelling fame, and corrupting glories. But by the transfiguration touch of Jesus on Peter, James, and John, it appears that God was able to boost the attention span of the disciples. The appearance of Moses brought quickly the memory of the glory of God through the cloud upon the tabernacle and the attentiveness of the children of Israel; while the revelation of Elijah reminded the disciples about the bringing down of fire upon the altar. And with this quick transfiguration touch, God declared “ This is my beloved Son: hear him”...

  “ Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. ” Mark 9 : 5 - 6 NKJV The exclamation of Peter at the mount of transfiguration in the New Testament, and the experience of Moses with the overhanging clouds of glory at the tent of Tabernacle in the Old Testament, shows that the presence of God always comes with the realms of awe. Even today, when believers practice the presence of God in their relationships with people and their engagement with work assignments, the glory of God is made to hover and shine with greater amazement than the mundane glories of wealth, status and position. When Peter said to Jesus “ Rabbi, it is good for us to be here“ , he wasn’t courting the presence of Jesus because of His position as Rabbi. He knew so well how the status of Jesus as Rabbi does readily intimidate the scr...