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Honor Belongs to Jesus
John TiltonMark 9:1-7
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and Johnwith him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.3His clothes became dazzling white,whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.4And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi,it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud:“This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
In his innocence, Peter suggested that they honor Elijah and Moses together with Jesus, having seen that, as Jesus, Elijah and Moses were together Jesus was transfigured. Acknowledging Elijah as the great prophet and Moses as the leader called by called God, we know that they were not the equal of Jesus, yet Peter in his innocence to honor what he saw was making them out to be equal with Jesus. The Lord God quickly rectified the matter but affirming Jesus as His son.
What a subtle reminder that we not put and reverence people up as equals with Jesus, or in place of Jesus. God has called, enabled and will use many great men profoundly, and will continue to do so. Yet, is so important that we keep our eyes, mind, heart and honor on Jesus.
Although this sounds very straight forward, we’ve seen movements and even religions that include Jesus in their doctrine, but don’t follow Jesus in their actions and beliefs. We’ve also seen great leaders start out being led by and serving the Lord, later to have their success and following subtly place them on a throne in place of Jesus. What can also be so subtle but reality is when we perhaps realize success in our call, ministry or role, then seek the honor and acknowledgement meant for Jesus. When you think about it, it is in fact “making a shelter” like Peter suggested, for ourselves, in our expectations and desire for prominence.
Lord, thank for a great reminder to always place you first with honor; bringing attention and reverence to what you did and who you are, and not my desiring or seeking recognition, honor and glory in what you enable me to do, and realizing that it all comes from you anyway. May I turn applause, affirmation and ability back in honor of and to you.
