Here’s a lesson from the transfiguration:
Jesus took Peter and the brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him. Peter broke in, “Master, this is a great moment! What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain—one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah?” While he was going on like this, babbling, a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to him.” (Matthew 17.1 – 5, MSG)
As usual, Peter’s not knowing what to say (see Mark 9.6) didn’t stop him from saying something! And Peter, like most of us, is taken with the spectacular and wants to memorialize or preserve it. But God himself gives us a good word:
Jesus is my focus. Make him your focus. Listen to him. (Bob’s paraphrase of verse 5)
Sounds like a call for daily time with God to me!
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3.18, ESV)
I like this theologizing, not other memorialization is needed, no other focus is needed, all has been done so that you know and put your focus on Jesus my beloved son. Hmmm; Jesus is the focus not a church building, Jesus not the songs, Jesus not a method of preaching, Jesus not a set of doctrines, More importantly JESUS BUT NOT OUR FEELING.
Good word, Vilmer.