Beloved Son
DAY 30 WRITTEN BY: MARIE BRUNER-
Matthew 17:5
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
-
Today’s passage is God’s declaration following the momentous Transfiguration experience during which Peter, James, and John see Jesus in a whole new way – they get a glimpse of His glory. Impulsive Peter responds quickly with a plan to set up tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.
Then God. He makes it very clear. While he [Peter] was still speaking, God spoke. He spoke from a bright cloud (think back to His presence in Exodus) and He makes a defining declaration: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Not only does God clearly set Jesus apart and above everyone else, God the Father establishes Jesus’ divine identity – He is the Son of God. Period. Secondly, God echoes the statement He made at Jesus’ baptism – “with him I am well pleased.” Why? Why was God well-pleased with Jesus?
Think about it: in both instances, His baptism and His transfiguration, the glory of God was revealed, and His purposes were being fulfilled – God was pleased in the revelation of His glory and His will being done. In Matthew 17:5 a command is added to the Father’s declaration of love and affirmation of delight when He states: “Listen to Him!”
It seems obvious, doesn’t it? Listen to Jesus. Follow His Words because He is the Word [the Word made flesh who dwelt among us – John 1:14]. If there were ever a motivation to be in the Word, it was the command shared at the Transfiguration – Listen to Him! Don’t just hear His words, heed them! [Be doers of the word and not hearers only – James 1:22]. And not just the red letters – He is the Word and the totality of scripture points to Him.
-
Father God, may our hearts and ears be inclined toward You. May our ears be open to Your Word and may Your words dwell in us so richly that Your glory is revealed in and through us. May you find pleasure in our obedience as we listen to and respond to Your Word.
