Let’s
read Matthew 17: 4-8
Peter
said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make
here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 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!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But
Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise,
and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their
eyes, THEY SAW NO ONE BUT JESUS ONLY”
Matthew chapter 17:1-13 describes
the transfiguration of Jesus on a high mountain. There is SO MUCH to ponder upon
from the above passage, but let us focus on the two men (Moses & Elijah)
who appeared to the three disciples in comparison to the one and only Jesus
Christ.
Both Moses & Elijah are highly
regarded as faithful servants of God and hence the eminence. Moses was a great mediator
and leader, and Elijah was a great reformer. Both considered as heroes. Both
considered as icons. Both considered as “GREAT MEN”. The top of the “high
mountain” on which the three disciples saw Jesus, Moses and Elijah is a representation
of the pinnacle of man’s accomplishments.
Now, notice what Peter said to Jesus without proper discernment - “let us make here three
tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”. “Tabernacle”
in simple terms is nothing but a “dwelling place” or a “temple”. So, Peter
wanted to build a temple each to all the three. He was 1/3rd correct
and 2/3rd incorrect. He acknowledged the fact that Jesus is
“God-in-flesh” but blundered terribly in giving the other two the same honour.
But when the disciples shifted their sight heavenwards, they saw NO ONE BUT
JESUS ONLY (read Matthew 17: 5-8).
The reconciliation through Jesus
far exceeds that of Elijah. The intercession of Jesus far exceeds that of
Moses. In simple words – Jesus is the ONLY personification of
the GREAT GOD Himself. Moses & Elijah were "mere men" mightily
used by the same GREAT GOD.
Do not by any stretch of
imagination refer to any man (including cricketers!), from history or present
or future as “GOD”.
“GOD” is one and only;
“GOD-in-flesh” is also one and only..!!
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