Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John with Him as He went up onto a mountain. There, Jesus prayed and the disciples slept. During the very early hours of that morning, the Lord was transfigured. Luke tells us that "His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning" (Luke 9:29). Joining Jesus on this morning were Moses and Elijah who were encouraging Him concerning His "departure" which would take place in Jerusalem. It was at this point that Peter awoke. He saw the glory of Jesus, he somehow recognized Moses and Elijah. Then, true to his character, Peter spoke: "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters - one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

This is not what Peter should have said. Luke hinted at the inappropriateness of Peter's statement: Peter "did not know what he was saying." God Himself was much more pointed. "This is my Son … Listen to Him."

I am often tempted to bash Peter for speaking without thinking. But before I become too judgmental, I need to think about Peter's statement and the motives behind those words. I will find that I am much more like Peter than I care to admit.

Peter's suggestion to build three shelters can be justified on several levels. First, his suggestion was a very practical suggestion. They were on a mountaintop, exposed to the elements. How much more comfortable it would be if there were some kind of shelter to protect them. Second, his suggestion demonstrated a great deal of respect for these spiritual giants. He suggested that shelters be built for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. He did not suggest shelters for himself or the other disciples. Finally, he showed the heart of a servant in his suggestion. He offered to build these shelters himself.

Despite these pure motives, Peter's suggestion was ultimately misguided. God wanted him to know that Jesus, Moses, and Elijah were not three equally important prophets. Jesus alone was the Son; Jesus alone was the One to be heard and obeyed.

Peter knew that. Just a week earlier, he had confessed Jesus to be the Messiah. So, why did he made his suggestion about the shelters? Peter was reacting emotionally rather than rationally to the situation. He did not think through God's will or Christ's word before he spoke.

And it is just at that point that I so often become like Peter. I react emotionally rather than rationally to the situations I face.

A recent survey found that over 60% of American adults approve of euthanasia. The thought of someone suffering with an incurable disease is more than we want to accept. We want to do the "merciful" thing and release the individual from his misery. That sounds so good and right; the motives for that conclusion sound so loving. God, however, is the One who gives life. God is the One who forbids us to take innocent life. God is the One who gives purpose and meaning to life.

God's will is supreme. My feelings are, at best, secondary. But because I am more like Peter than I care to admit, I find myself reacting to situations emotionally rather than according to my knowledge of God and His will.

How I need to hear God say, "Listen to Him!" The word of Jesus is normative, not my feelings.

-Alan Taylor

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