Matthew 17

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; ² and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. ³ And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. ⁴ Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us^[a] make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁵ While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” ⁶ And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” ⁸ When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

2 Peter 1:16-21 (King James Version)

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. ¹⁷For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ¹⁸And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. ¹⁹We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: ²⁰Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. ²¹For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

One of the most profound markers of true spiritual maturity and healthy development in our lives is when the great experiences of spiritual ecstasy are no longer the anchors for our faith, without which we run the risk of spiritual despair, frantic fear, and emotional gloom. Instead, the seasoned believer is anchored by that which is steadfast, never-changing, and forever true…the riches of God’s Word. The life of Peter provides for us a priceless example of this most important lesson.  Just three years after his decision to abandon his seaside vocation and follow the master-fisher of men, Peter found himself in a moment of heightened spiritual glory beyond what he had ever known or even hoped he would experience.  There, on the mountain, Jesus was transfigured before his very eyes, radiating with another-world brilliance and flanked by Moses and Elijah, religious icons of the Jews, representing the finest of Israel’s history, both the Law and the prophets.  Peter quickly put words to his passion, as he, true to his impetuous nature, suggested that three tabernacles should be built where the three could be shinned, protected, and forever venerated.  That, however, was not the Father’s plan…he spoke… “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  Listen to Him.” (Matthew 17:5)

Many years passed for Peter…many experiences were had….many promises broken…many disappointments known.  There was the rooster!   Then the empty tomb.  There was the dismissive rebuke by the risen Christ when he tried to pry into the future plans for John and was told to mind his own business.  Then the ascension as he watched the One upon who he had placed all his trust, leave this earth.  Then Pentecost.  Then many hard years of persecution…but deepened faith and maturing resolve.

And then Peter picks up the pen to write. He is much older now, much wiser, and far more mature.  “We were eyewitness of his majesty when He revealed His glory on the mountain,” he exclaims.  But, “we have a MORE certain Word.”  What is that Word?  It is Scripture and as Peter writes, it is not open to private interpretation but was breathed, spoken, and declared by the Spirit of God.  The experience was amazing. The glory was unspeakable!  But His Word ----It is PERMANENT!

Our experiences are so important and should be desired.  But heaven and earth, ups and downs, experiences and emotions will pass away.  But, His Word will NEVER pass away.  We must enjoy, relish, and embrace the mountaintops of glory but anchor our faith in the never-failing, always steady, and forever-living-SURE WORD OF GOD!