Heritage Of Faith

Heritage of Faith

Matthew 17:3-7, NKJV

And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”

Setting the Scene

Faced with the figures before them, the disciples must have been astounded. They were suddenly in the company of some of the most revered people in Jewish history. The two men talking comfortably with Jesus had been used by God at crucial moments in the life of his chosen people to bring them to a deeper understanding of himself. Part of Israel’s heritage of faith was standing right in front of these disciples.

The crucible of slavery had forged a people that Moses would lead across the desert to the Promised Land. In the process, Moses received the law from God. He wrote the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible. Elijah represented the prophets God had sent his people, particularly those who announced the coming Messiah (see Malachi 4:5-6). Both Moses and Elijah shared similar experiences of having had personal appearances (theophanies) from God. The appearance of these two with Jesus removed any confusion over Jesus’ identity or his superiority. He was not either of these figures returned to life. He was the ultimate reality, authority, and power about which they had cried out in their own times.

The Bible presents us with an amazing gallery of people whose words and lives point us to Jesus. Others who have followed Jesus before us have also left us examples of faith. These lives offer what could be called our heritage conversation with Jesus. We are privileged to witness and respond to this “conversation.” We may be able to point to poor examples of faith in our lives, but the most compelling examples will ultimately be the chorus of voices whispering, speaking, and crying out to us the truth and praises of Jesus.

Getting Personal

Who figures prominently in your personal gallery of voices of faith?

In what ways are your current habits of faith shaped by your heritage of faith?

Good examples of faithfulness are wonderful gifts from God. As often as possible, we should echo Paul’s words about the encouragement he received from the lives of even younger believers, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God” (see Philippians 1:2-4, NLT).

Talking to God

Pray with thanks over your list of favorite biblical, historical, and living examples of faith. Thank God for providing so many great confirmations of the way he works in this world. Ask God to help you learn from the wisdom of people who have so much to teach you about him.