Peter’s Impetuosity

As Peter saw a vision of Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus, in Matthew 17:4 we see him acting impetuously, which was his personality. A tabernacle is a shelter, similar to what many Jews still make today in their backyards for the Feast of Tabernacles. They can be quickly made from branches and leaves. Was Peter asking, let me build some shelters from the hot sun and rain so you can stay awhile? Are we sometimes also impulsive with our opinions and suggestions? How often do we rush into decisions rashly and then later ask God to bless the decision that we have made without asking for divine guidance?

Preview of our Eternity

Was the story of Moses and Elijah talking with Christ on the mount in Matthew 17:3, a vision of the future or present reality? Both Moses and Elijah had prophesied the coming of the Messiah during their lives on earth. But, weren’t these men dead and buried, still awaiting a future resurrection? Such questions assume that there is time in a timeless eternity. Don’t our arguments about waiting for a future resurrection versus going to heaven after death fall silent when we realize that there is no time in eternity? Can we who live in a world restrained by time, really explain heaven, resurrection and eternal life in earthly terms?

Transformed Lives

In Matthew 17:2, we read that Jesus was transfigured or transformed (μετεμορφώθη, metemorphōthē) on a mount. This is the same word used in the letter to the Romans about us being “transformed” by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Are we being inwardly “transformed” into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18)? Is transformation occurring in us? As Peter, James and John saw the transfiguration a transformation was happening to them. Moses’ face shone like the sun after being close to God. Will our lives also shine? Is a life that is close to God a shining light in a dark world that will soon shine forever?

The Numbers Game

Is church success about a large attendance? That can be a dangerous criterion. False prophets can draw large crowds (Luke 6:26; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Matthew 7:13-14). Numbers alone prove nothing. Jesus rarely taught thousands, occasionally a hundred plus, most often a dozen or so and sometimes just three as we read in Matthew 17:1. Is quality time with a dozen and occasionally three key disciples a model for discipleship in churches? Is it a pastor’s job to spend equal time with a large group of individuals or intense time with a few? Is it then up to those few to care for the rest of the flock?

1st Principle of Immigration

Jesus gave the 1st principle of immigration in Matthew 25:35, “I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.” Stranger means foreigner. The Lord required Israel to, “show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 10:19) “Do not take advantage of foreigners... love them as you love yourself.” (Leviticus 19:33-34) However, that does not mean being silly doves. There are dangers. “The people of Israel mingle with godless foreigners… Worshiping foreign gods… like silly, witless doves, first calling to Egypt, then flying to Assyria for help.” (Hosea 7:8-12) Love and welcome foreigners, but be aware of danger.

1st Principle of Desire

In the Ten Commandments “Thou shalt not covet” (Romans 7:7, Romans 13:9) means don’t desire or take pleasure in your neighbor’s things. We may rightly covet what is allowed. Adam and Eve could eat from any tree they rightly desired, except one (Genesis 2:9). They coveted the forbidden tree (Genesis 3:6). Coveting God’s law is good (Psalm 19:9-10). Righteous people coveted seeing Christ (Matthew 13:17). Jesus earnestly desired eating the Last Supper with his disciples (Luke 22:15). Pastors covet their churches' spiritual success (Hebrews 6:11). So, the 1st principle of desire is “taking pleasure in” what is ours and not our neighbor’s.

1st Principle of Trust

Deception and lies are everywhere. The Bible says that “courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed” (Isaiah 59:14). Habitual liars have no credibility, no authority. People “will reject the truth and chase after myths” (2 Timothy 4:4). We cannot trust politicians who are obligated to campaign contributors because “a bribe makes even a righteous person twist the truth” (Exodus 23:8). A nation of false advertising and legalized deception cannot be free. Only “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). The Ten Commandments say, “Thou shalt not bear false witness” (Exodus 20). Honesty is the first principle of trust.

1st Principle of Possession

Theft is everywhere today. The Ten Commandments say, “Thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5). What we possess is not ours forever. We get and we give. Getting by giving something comparable in return is honest business. Getting by burglary, bank robbery, embezzlement, fraud, piracy, shoplifting, vandalism, annexation, swindling, kidnapping, deceptive pricing, rigged scales, overcharging, and underpaying are wrong. There is another way. Possessions provide us an opportunity to give as much as we can. God’s way is the opposite of stealing, marked by selfless giving rather than selfish getting. Jesus gave the 1st principle of possession, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35).

1st Principle of Family Life

Faithfulness makes marriages last. Temptation is everywhere, before and after marriage. A key to marital faithfulness is resisting temptation by avoiding dangerous situations. A foolish generation has been so focused on money, education and equality that it has placed marriages in lethal danger. Faithfulness is a habit we develop before we marry, by saving ourselves for one person alone. Loyalty beforehand makes it is easier to continue during marriage. The Ten Commandments summarize this with the rule “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5). By remaining virgins before marriage, young men and women are developing their faithfulness to a future spouse. By remaining true after marriage, men and women are protecting the integrity of the basic building block of society, the family.

1st Principle of Valuing Life

The commandment “Thou shalt not murder” (Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5) is bigger than violent crime alone. Jesus expanded it saying, “if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” (Matthew 5:22) Murder often results from uncontrolled anger and name-calling reveals an attitude that disregards life. Jesus further explains the first principle of valuing human life: If possible be reconciled. (Matthew 5:24) Do we value human life, the unborn, poor, those without health care, and immigrants?