Mark Chapter 9: verses 5-7 (NIV-UK)
Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!’
Peter is known for speaking first before he has thought about what he should say. Here he does it again. He, James and John were over awed about seeing the transfiguration of Jesus, and seeing Him with Moses and Elijah. Peter felt he had to say something, although words were inadequate. Then God the Father intervened by speaking directly. “Listen to my Son!”
Sometimes we don’t know what to say, particularly in situations that may be difficult, or hard to understand, for example in times of bereavement. We need to be careful not to say what we think people want to hear, or to use cliches. We need to act with wisdom and discernment, and the best way to do so is to follow the same instruction that God gave the three disciples. “Listen to Jesus!”
Dear Lord,
I can be guilty too of speaking first without thinking. Help me to do as You instructed the disciples and listen to Jesus, but more importantly to do what He says. I ask in His Name. Amen.