As someone who’s been preaching for over 30 years, I find I’ve carried stories with me of times the Lord has done something spectacular or profound, and I tell them over and over.
Many years after the transfiguration, Peter was still talking about what he saw on the mountain.
 
I can’t imagine how many countless remarkable moments Peter witnessed during his time with Jesus. From silenced storms, healed disease, driven-out spirits, and even the dead raised to life. He also saw Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion, and burial, and after, encountered the risen Lord.
Yet, when he wanted to reassure believers that the message about Jesus wasn’t just something they invented, he took them back to the mountain. He no doubt remembered the voice of the Father and the intense majesty of the Son.

This memory was important to Peter because he was writing his letter to believers who needed endurance. He remembered that when He saw the glory on the mountain, Jesus was preparing him for the suffering which was about to come their way, and he would need to remember the majesty to endure. He knew these believers needed the same thing.

Peter understood that our faith isn’t built on our ability to produce impressive experiences, but on God’s action through history and the trustworthy testimony of those who had seen the risen Christ. So he urges his readers to pay attention to these prophetic words “as a lamp shining in a dark place.” Illuminating light doesn’t eliminate the darkness all at once, but it does give enough light to stay on the path until the journey is complete.
 
This is a really clear image of what a faithful disciple looks like. Though we didn’t stand on the mountain with Peter, we have received his testimony of the event. We have the Word to bear witness to Jesus and His glory. Part of faithfully following the way of Jesus is paying careful attention to His Word when the world around us seems cold and dark, when suffering closes in, and false voices offer easier versions of the Christian life.
 
The Mount of Transfiguration isn’t handed down so we, too, can chase extraordinary experiences, but to teach us to trust in the revealed glory of Jesus.
 
Eventually, Peter’s obedience would lead him through suffering of his own. Remembering the majesty of Jesus transformation didn’t insulate him from hardship, but it did assure him that hardship wasn’t the final reality. He had seen the King with his own eyes … the glory was real.
You and I today can walk in the very same confidence of Peter. We read and obey the word just as he did, and in so doing we find the ability, with His power and sustaining presence, to remain, to endure, until the final dawn breaks on the dark night of the soul.
 
One day, His glory will be revealed to all. Maranatha, come quickly, Lord!

What voices compete most strongly with your attention and obedience to Scripture? What concrete practice would help you pay closer attention to God’s Word during seasons of confusion or spiritual darkness?

Father, I am grateful for the trustworthy witness of those who saw your glory and have proclaimed your death and resurrection ever since. Protect me from building my faith on unstable emotions, impressive personalities, or things that tickle my spiritual fancy. Give me courage when the full path is hidden from me and faith to trust you as I take one step after another on the road you’ve called me to. I look forward to the day when your full glory is revealed once and for all. Amen.

“This week I will attend more carefully to God’s Word by __________________.”