Matt.17:3 – 5 – And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Peter responded and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If You want, I will make three tabernacles here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!”
Listen to Him. These are strong words from the Father. In the past God had spoken through the prophets and the law, now He is speaking a new language with a fresh mouthpiece; He is speaking through His beloved Son. Here is how it is said in Hebrews 1:1,2 – “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son…” Peter and the rest of that apostolic band didn’t quite get it yet. They were still placing Jesus on the level of Moses and Elijah. While Peter was rambling on about building three tabernacles the glory of the Lord enveloped them. Stuck to the ground in His glory it became obvious that Jesus was more than a prophet. The wait was over, God had revealed Himself to man; “Listen to Him”. The Father said. Here is how Wuest explains the Father’s words.
“This verb, listen or hear, speaks of continuous action. “Be constantly hearing Him.” The verb “hear,” akouō, in this context, does not merely refer to the act of hearing, in the sense of listening to, but to the act of obeying what is heard.”
Wuest pointed out two important aspects of this command. First, keep listening to Jesus. He is always speaking and our lives are upheld and empowered by His words. Secondly, keep on obeying what is heard. His words are living words, He is always speaking. As we learn to be still and listen to His words, they not only enter our hearts but they totally change our hearts. Listening to Him becomes the breath and heartbeat of our lives. We begin to obey His words and His words become our joy. So what do we learn from this great story? Keep listening to Jesus, this is the very description of prayer. As this becomes our life we too become transfigured in His glory.
