Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” Mark 9:7 (NASB)
A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” Luke 9:35 (NIV)
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” Matthew 17:5 (NIV)
Voices all over the world have uttered intense declarations during the last few months. The noise level seems to have reached fever pitch, especially in the United States. Covid, quarantine, masks, riots, protests, violence—these extreme experiences have generated enormous fear. Has the multitude of mouthpieces distracted us from the one voice that spoke all of nature into existence? The one voice that expresses deep love for all of His creation?
Facts as well as fiction have rendered anxious hearts, causing panic and alarm. The more information we’ve heard, the more confused and distressed we’ve become. The only thing that seems to be certain is uncertainty. Earthly life is certainly unpredictable.
Peter, James, and John possibility faced trepidation when they experienced a startling phenomenon. After traveling with Jesus to a high mountain, they stopped to gaze at the lush plots of green growth, patches of brown barrenness, and villages situated throughout the region below. Everything appeared tranquil until they witnessed Jesus radiantly glowing within a bright light. Before their eyes, Jesus was transfigured while conversing with Elijah and Moses. Wait a minute. Weren’t the prophets Elijah and Moses dead?
Seeing Jesus in dazzling white array and speaking with apparitions had to be unnerving. As if that wasn’t enough, an immense cloud had formed around them as a thundering voice rumbled in their ears saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
What an encounter. It’s likely Peter, James, and John stood before Jesus, shaking with fear and trembling. What emotions erupted as an enormous cloud engulfed them? What thoughts transpired as that single thunderous voice trumpeted from the cloud?
The initial fright experienced by Jesus’ disciples may resemble the recurring fears we’ve undergone the past few months. From one disturbance to another, we’ve faced many challenges. A multitude of voices carrying a medley of messages have contributed to mass confusion. But the disciples met the clarity of one message through the voice of their Heavenly Father. “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Prior to Jesus’ transfiguration, the disciples had seen Him perform miracles. Peter had declared Jesus to be the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Jesus had predicted His death. And He had informed them that in order to be His disciples, they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him.
Imagine reasoning with those memories after seeing the transformation of their friend and teacher. Surely the event verified Jesus’ identity after God’s voice broadcasted His instruction from the cloud, “Listen to Him!”
Throughout Scripture, clouds have symbolized God’s presence, protection, and guidance over His people. God’s people, in turn, knew they should obey His instructions. Even if the disciples walked down that mountain with more questions than answers, they chose to follow the One who had called them. They decided to listen and obey.
In the midst of a pandemic and disastrous riots, are you listening to many voices or one voice? Are you making decisions based on society and culture or on the truth of God’s Word?
The confusion of mixed messages from various voices distracts, causing disorder and chaos. Uncertainty increases and fosters fear. If the gathering clouds fill us with doubt, indecision, and angst, our lives will begin to unravel.
On the contrary, a message of truth from one well defined voice provides clarity and peace. Assurance develops and faith strengthens. If we choose to believe God’s Word about a Savior who loved us enough to die for us, then those gathering clouds will remind us that God is near.
God is a God of order. He offers peace in a disorderly world. Pay attention to His voice through the reading of His Word. Hear Him when He says, “Jesus is my Son. Listen to Him!”
Will we allow dissenting voices to prick our ears or will we choose to listen and obey the voice of God? As Jesus has said, “He who has ears, let him hear.”
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25 (NIV)
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
1 Corinthians 14:33 (NIV)”