The Grands Letter (Matt/GLJ)

Dear Grands,

Matthew 17:1-6, “Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves.

2 And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.

3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.

4 Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’

5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!'”

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified.”

The transfiguration of Jesus occurred in the presence of three disciples: Peter, James, and John. Considering all the military personnel in World War II, how many do you believe you could scare with the appearance of such a human transfiguration, much less that of Jesus Christ? Before you venture an answer, let me simply say: “Everyone!”

I identify with Peter in that I am often first in injecting an opinion into questionable situations! At the same time, I would not have been so bold as to have casually encountered Jesus’ transfiguration. I would have been scared stiff! Can you see Peter taking such an auspicious encounter in stride? I can see him rushing in, but “freezing stiff,” his voice trembling with emotion when he saw that there was no way out!

More importantly still is the reverberating Voice of the LORD introducing His Son: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” We would all do well to listen! More. I once heard a man say, “The LORD created us with two ears and but one mouth; and there’s a significant difference in the function and ratio of each.” I often need to adhere to that. How about you?

Heartily yours in Christ Jesus,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom