Matthew 17:1-13

Be Still: Lord, you are with us now. Thank you. Increase in us the sense of your presence as we read your Word. Amen

Read: Matthew 17:1-13

 Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' (v4)

Encounter: In my teenage years, we had an annual youth weekend away called Distinctive. I remember this Saturday evening gathering like it was yesterday. I was mildly confused because I thought that the sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit was crying. But I was wrong! I wasn’t crying, but I had never felt like this before: as the Holy Spirit filled me all I could do was smile from ear to ear. I experienced inexpressible joy. If I could, I would have boxed that moment up, and continued to return to it, time and time again. It was special. You may have had similar times when God met you in significant ways.

In today's passage, Peter is witnessing the 'thickness' of the Lord’s presence. On this high mountain, Jesus was transfigured, his face shining like the sun, his clothes becoming as white as the light, and Moses and Elijah were there too. Peter, in awe of what he is witnessing, offers to put up three shelters for them. 

Peter wanted to remain in that place. He was willing to run down the mountain to get the gazebo. He wanted to capture this moment. To prolong what he was experiencing. 

This was a special and sacred moment, but Jesus didn’t remain in that place. The gazebos weren’t put up; instead, a few verses later, we’re told they left the mountain. 

At Gas Street Church we have suggested GAS stands for 'Gather and Scatter.' We gather to share intimacy with the Lord, so thick and powerful that we are changed. But we’re not called to remain, but to go. To share the Good News, the stories of who Jesus is, and how he has changed our lives.

Apply: Where are the opportunities for you today to Scatter? To share the Good News of Jesus.

Devote: Thank you, God that you love to dwell with us and that, by your Spirit, we can know the fullness of your love afresh today.