“If we want to hear the voice of the Father, we must remain at Jesus’ side.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 24, 2024
For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 2 Peter 1:16-18, NKJV
The story of the Transfiguration is one of the most remarkable events in the entire biblical narrative. Here, the followers of the carpenter from Nazareth see him as he truly is, revealed in glory as the beloved Son of God upon whom his favor rests. Everything that came before, the Law and the Prophets, pointed to this moment and found its fulfillment in Jesus, and it is from this elevated vantage that one is able to look ahead with insight and understanding into the power and wonder of the Cross and Resurrection.
As I ponder this story afresh, I’m struck by the power of verse 18. “And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” Notice the close association here between two things: hearing and location. If I want to hear what my wife or child is saying, I have a much greater chance of doing so if I’m in the same room as them. If I’m outside and they are inside, though they may be speaking, there is a barrier that keeps me from hearing them. This is, of course, a simple and obvious insight, yet we must apply it to our spiritual lives just as we do our day-to-day interactions.
If we want to hear the voice of the Father, we must remain at Jesus’ side.
That said, we also must recognize that it is no ordinary feat to ascend the Holy Mountain of God! Here, the words of Psalm 24 come to mind. “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully.” To begin this journey, we must ensure that humility and repentance guide our every step, for they are the only path that leads to clean hands and a pure heart. If we want to see God and encounter the Lord upon his holy mountain, let us leave behind every burden that weighs us down and every distorted passion that dulls and deadens our hearts and shuts our ears to the voice of the Father.
Prayer
Father, give us clean hands and pure hearts that we may be men and women who are made able to ascend your holy hill, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Consider printing out the words of Psalm 24:3-4 and placing them somewhere that you will frequently see them, keeping them ever before your heart and mind.
Related Reading
Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 56:7; Isaiah 65:25
Worship Resource
Liturgical Folk: On Tabor
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