You would probably understand why by the time you read to the end of the article. Our revelation this week comes from the story of the Transfiguration, as described in the three synoptic gospels, and in particular, the role that Peter played in the encounter.

However, to fully understand the point that I would like to bring out, we need to go back to en event that occurred 6 days before the Transfiguration. Jesus had asked His disciples who they thought He was. Peter, by divine revelation had correctly stated that Jesus was the Son of God and in return Jesus commended him for this revelation ( Matthew 16:16).

Fast forward to the Transfiguration, the three disciples saw Jesus Transfigured (i.e. they saw Jesus in all His glory, often referred to as the Shekinah glory of God. This was not the way they knew Jesus, in human form, on a daily basis. Something supernatural was happening here and the disciples knew it. Jesus is seen here speaking to Elijah and Moses. Peter then asked Jesus if he could build three tabernacles.

By asking to build a tabernacle, Peter was speaking as a devout Jew who associated God’s glory with a temple or tabernacle. Peter was putting Jesus on equal footing with Moses and Elijah and no wonder that immediately a voice came from heaven publicly declaring that Jesus was the Son of God. The correction was immediate.

But let’s go back to Peter. How could he make such a suggestion? After all, he was the one with the revelation about Jesus being the son of God? Did Peter not fully understand the revelation?  Why was there no application of the revelation? How did he get it totally wrong?

I guess there are many principles we can derive from this story but the revelation that struck me  the most is that we must not only have a revelation of God’s word, but when the need arises, we need to be able to apply that revelation. Though Peter had received a revelation that Jesus was the Son of God, he had not received the full revelation and accurate application of that revelation.

The lesson therefore is to pray when we receive a revelation and ask for a complete understanding of that revelation. Additionally, we need to ask God to enable us to wisely apply it.

Always remember, we only know in part.

Until I hear again in your inbox, with more insight from the scriptures, stay blessed

Ola

Last update : Tuesday 04/05/11

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