Voices On The Mountain
Jack Davis
“And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.” II Peter 1:18
Peter is testifying to a most exciting experience of being an eyewitness to Jesus Christ coming majesty. He speaks of making known the power and coming of our beloved Lord. He is telling the truth and he wants them to remember it. It was indeed a sure word of prophecy. In the Gospel records we read of different forms of conversation heard on the mount that day.
The Voice Of Communion
The Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus “took Peter and John and James and went up into a mountain to pray. And as He prayed the fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white and glistering.” Luke 9:28-29
We aren’t told what He said to the Father in this high level communion. It is evident that they heard Him speaking, and at least they knew He was praying. Jesus often spent time alone at night with His Father, it seems in preparation for the following day’s events. Whatever He said to the Father at this time doesn’t seem to be as important or necessary for our ears as what happened while He was communing. What a marvelous scene, what a glorious change took place! This is not a bad action for us. We also are being changed as we spend time alone with our father, inwardly and someday soon outwardly. Glory to God! Most true believers rejoice and are comforted by knowing that Jesus has ascended up on high and now appears in the presence of God for us. It is so very encouraging to be aware that our faithful High Priest also keeps the way open into the presence of the Father for us.
Voices Of Consultation
“And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.” Luke 9:30
The writer now calls our attention to two special people, voices from the past, that are supernaturally present. These voices out of history, showed that they were familiar with His-story. As they discussed Jesus’ death we realize that their faith had long range vision. For some time their faith had looked forward to the cross of Christ, and the glorious blessings to be enjoyed as result.
They are heard and seen on this mountain in the promise land. The one (Moses) God had personally buried in the valley in the land of Moab (Deut. 34:4-7). The Devil had disputed with Michael over his body (Jude 9) and God evidently raised Him from the dead. The other (Elijah) God carried up to heaven in a whirlwind (II Kings 2:11). They are somewhat typically representative of those who will go by the way of the grave and be raised triumphantly, and also those who are now alive and remain unto the coming of our dear Lord, awaiting translation.
The adversary may have thought he was rid of both of them forever, but praise God their voices are heard on the mount. Thank God, it is still exciting to hear their voices today in the Word by the power of the Holy Spirit. Even in the Law and the prophets the coming of the Just one was foretold.
The Voice Of Confusion
“But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.” Luke 9:32-33
In Mark’s Gospel we are told that Peter didn’t know what to say. Peter was somewhat impulsive as well as afraid. It seems that he felt he just had to say or do something whether it is right or wrong. He had (excuse the expression) gone to Babylon. It seems most of us are like that sometime or other. We know that he had a high esteem for Jesus. He should have known better than to try to enshrine Moses and Elijah equally with Jesus.
Because of Calvary, God the Father has given Him a name above every name. It is our sweet privilege to ever lift His name higher and higher to the glory of God the Father. I believe Peter was and is very glad for this divine interruption. There are many things that religeous leaders are saying today that will soon be interrupted. Thank God.
The Voice Of Commendation
“While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.” Luke 9:34-35
This is My Son – “beloved” (Son of my love) Mt. 17:5. The One to whom God commended His love toward us. The ideal – what a true Son should be, Heb. 1:5. Servant – doing always the things pleasing to the Father. Sacrifice – He is the sacrificial Lamb without spot, God had commended Him at the beginning of His public ministry, Mt. 3:16-17, and now as He was coming near the end.
After Jesus’ death on the cross God the Father made universal declaration of His Son, by raising Him from the dead, Rom. 1:4. The great Physician. Prophet – “speaker,” hear ye Him, Heb. 1:1-4, Acts 3:18-26 And 7:26. Potentate – I Tim. 6:15-16. Sovereign, Heb. 1:8,13, “Thy throne is for ever and ever,” He must reign. Savior – no other name given among men whereby we must be saved, Acts 4:12. Jesus – He shall save His people from their sin, Matthew 1:21. Faithful Witness – Rev. 1:5. Judge – “worthy.” Rev. 5:5,12: Jn. 5:22-23, II Tim. 4:6-8.
