Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

The apostle Peter provides a good example of how easily
people of faith miss the point. We sometimes get so caught
up in the pageantry and excitement that we lose sight of the
significance of the moment. Weddings are a fine example of
this. Blessing the union of a couple’s love can easily get lost in
the costumes, the decorations, the stage directions, the music,
and the emotions. Many couples spend much more time (and
money) planning the reception than they do the service.

Were the Transfiguration story to take place today, I can
almost hear Peter burst into modern marketing jargon. “We
gotta set up booths! One for Moses, one for Elijah, and one for
you! People will come from all over just to see where you three
got together. We can sell programs. We can sell T-shirts, coffee
mugs, refrigerator magnets, and bobble-heads! We need a logo!
We need to brand this!” Peter wants to spread the miracle and
share the awe, but why did Jesus want Peter, James, and John
to witness this event?

We have no idea what Elijah, Moses, and Jesus talked
about. But the three disciples witness the Law, the Prophets, and
the Word combined and connected. They hear the voice of God
confirming Jesus as the beloved Son. In the hard days to come,
these three pillars of the early church will possess an indelible
and unforgettable assurance of Jesus as the Son of God.

Jesus often instructed the disciples not to go overboard
with stories of miracles and supernatural power. True faith stays
strong in the absence of miracles, not just in their presence. The
truth of Jesus the Christ is valid in the quiet and calm times, not
just when the miracles take place.