And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Peter responded and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If You want, I will make three tabernacles here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.”
Matthew 17:3-7

Sometimes, God wants to show you what he’s doing.

Peter, like many of us, was ready to tear into whatever was next. He was gung-ho for whatever God had planned for him. If nothing else, his enthusiasm is admirable.

But sometimes, God doesn’t need us to build a temple or dedicate a monument or declare a feast day. Sometimes God needs us to listen; He needed the apostles to hear His Son and to obey Him in that moment and not be concerned with the earthly expectations they had. You see, Peter probably assumed that these great prophets had appeared to anoint Jesus as the new King of Israel and drive off the Roman menace once and for all.

What God was doing in that moment was a lot more profound and at the same time, much more subtle. He was demonstrating Jesus was already crowned as the Prophet, Priest and Prince of Peace. So the next time God shows you a sign of His might and power, be humble and listen. He’s probably doing something even bigger than you think.

Ethan Kirl

Originally Published February 5, 2021