Coming Attractions - Moses, Elijah, And Peter

As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter, not even knowing what he was saying, blurted out, “Master, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But even as he was saying this, a cloud overshadowed them, and terror gripped them as the cloud covered them.

Luke 9:33-34

Get to your movie at the advertised hour, and you’re still a good fifteen minutes from show time. If you’re lucky, however, you may see something worthwhile in the previews of coming attractions.

An effective movie preview doesn’t just give you time to warm up your seat; it leaves you wanting more. It plants pictures in your head and sometimes brings you back to the theater the following weekend.

Peter, James, and John once saw a spectacular preview of a coming attraction, and it changed them forever. After hiking with Jesus to the top of a mountain, the tired disciples dozed off as Jesus prayed. As they awoke from their slumber, they saw Jesus in an unexpected light. His entire appearance had changed. His face looked different, and his clothes glowed a dazzling white. To top it off, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

What a way to wake up!

None of the disciples knew what to say, but that never stopped Peter. He suggested that they build temporary shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Of course, the heavenly visitors ignored Peter’s suggestion. As God’s messengers, Moses and Elijah had certainly earned a place of honor, but not on the same plane as Jesus. Only God’s chosen One deserved their worship.

About four decades later, Peter wrote, “We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes when he received honor and glory from God the Father” (2 Peter 1:16-17). Peter eventually understood that they had seen some of the divinity of Jesus that day.

He couldn’t wait to see more.

Nothing affirms your faith and wakes you up like a glimpse of the loving, comforting Jesus who is also Lord and King of all. When did you last have that kind of encounter with Jesus? Did it leave you longing for more?