[At the Transfiguration,] Peter exclaimed, "Rabbi, it's wonderful for us to be here! Let's make three shelters as memorials — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He said this because he didn't really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.
— Mark 9:5-6 NLT
Key Thought
Peter's words, though well intentioned, are ludicrous. Some moments need to be held in silent awe. Words shouldn't desecrate the moment. Rather than trying to be the wise one, the outspoken one, and the one who leads the pack, sometimes we need to be silent and let God reveal the meaning and the power of the moment. Peter couldn't grasp that Jesus was and is so far superior to the others (Hebrews 1:1-4). Even with that ignorance, however, he should have waited in awe until God's will was revealed rather than trying to speak when he didn't know what to say! At this point, we still see the impulsive, brash Peter. Later, through the influence of the Holy Spirit, Peter became a humble servant leader in the church (1 Peter 5:5-6).
Today's Prayer
O God, forgive me for trying to always have words when my awe-filled and reverent silence should be the gift I offer in the presence of your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
- Habakkuk 2:18-20
- Isaiah 6:1-5
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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