CLOUDED
by
EMOTION

When I think of the apostle Peter, I think of a man of extremes. While traveling around with Jesus, he showed extreme faith. He also did some extremely foolish things. By the end of his life, he proved himself to be extremely mature. Read 2 Peter, and you’ll see what I mean. We should be grateful for the example we see in Peter.

On one occasion, Peter, James, and John went to the top of a mountain with Jesus. Jesus was transfigured before them, and the three disciples fell face down on the ground. Anyone else would have done the same. Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus, speaking to Him about what He was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. The text says:

And as these were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” Luke 9:33–35

Moses was the mediator of the covenant God gave to Israel. Elijah was one of the greatest prophets who ever lived. In the rush of the moment, Peter blurted out his intentions to honor Moses and Elijah the same way he would honor the Son of God. What does the Father say? “No way! Now you have My Chosen One among you. Hear Him!”

I imagine this to be one of the pivotal points in Peter’s life. I picture him sitting around the table with his grandkids, asking, “Did I ever tell you the time I went up the mountain—”

“Yes, grandad,” would come the reply. “Only a hundred times.”

​Perhaps persecution in the Roman world prevented such a scene. However, it didn’t prevent him from relating this moment to his readers.

Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind. For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”—and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 2 Peter 1:12–18

Yes, Peter, as one of the Twelve, had some amazing religious experiences. But this chapter in 2 Peter is all about the average disciple’s chance to grow in the knowledge of Jesus. The next few verses say:

So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:19–21

Peter’s experience was real, and there are good reasons the gospel accounts include it. But what’s Peter’s point here? He brings up this moment in history to say this: True knowledge of Jesus Christ is based on what has been revealed to us through the Scriptures.

Many have supposed that feelings in the heart and goosebumps are how God reveals Himself today. Not so. Instead, He pleads with everyone to hear what the Spirit says through the Scriptures.

When I hear accounts of people’s religious experiences today, so many of them contradict the Scriptures. I’m sure you have also noticed that. What are we to to do? We should remember what Peter was told on the mountain: “Listen to Jesus.” And Jesus has provided the Holy Spirit to inspire men to provide us the New Testament.

Discussion Question: What danger is there in allowing your understanding of who Jesus is to be based solely on emotional experiences, rather than on what is revealed in the Scriptures?

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Scripture quotations are taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation