Luke 9:33–Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation

Posted by Seth on Dec 29, 2009 in Bible Study, Daily Devotions |

Luke 9:33–Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation

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Welcome to today’s Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation covering Luke 9:33 wherein we are reminded that we, like Peter, don’t always know what we’re saying.

And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.

Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, was simply quite the character. He loved to talk, and because he both had a lot of potential and a great deal of growing to do during those three years with his new Lord, we find a wide variety of things springing out of his mouth. Just a short time before the account we have before us, Peter clearly proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah when others were coming up with a lot of different ideas that would have fit in better with common Jewish thought of that day. But his ideas here aren’t quite as admirable. Though he spoke a clear sentence with straightforward words, we’re told that he really didn’t even know what he was saying! This was a great moment that he, John, and James were getting to be a part of, seeing Jesus transformed before them as He entered into face to face communication with the long-departed Moses and Elijah. Apparently, these ancient prophets were getting ready to head back to heaven when Peter decided they should hold on awhile and set up camp. But that’s not what these guys were sent to do, and the Father wanted the disciples to make no mistake that they needed to put their full attention on Jesus even in light of the incredible things they were beholding–This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him! were the words with which God interrupted Peter.

“Crazy disciple,” we might say…but what if things had played out differently? What if, for whatever reason, it had indeed been God’s plan for Moses and Elijah to hang around for a bit longer, spending the night alongside Jesus to talk with Him further? We know that Peter’s thinking was off because God said it was off, and we (hopefully) like being on God’s team. But as I consider this event, the statement about Peter’s clueless comment gives me pause. I wonder how many times I think I have a pretty good idea about something, a wise saying, or a good solution to a problem when really God has other things in mind, and would need me to hear, “You don’t know what you’re saying.” I don’t mean for this to be crippling, giving the idea that we should never open our mouths for fear of saying something out of step, but that we should speak with a good measure of humility and readiness for any correction from the Lord that we might be in need of. It’s good to remember that a lot of what Peter said was right on target and voiced at just the right time, and this because he simply started talking!

Yes, today is another day of words being shared, and there are many things worth saying. But let us be ready to listen to God’s voice overriding ours where He deems necessary. Let us be sure to keep our eyes upon Jesus as we open our mouths and help others to have that same focus. And, just like we should with Peter, let’s remember to cut others a bit of slack when they say something stupid; the time will come when we’ll need the same from them.

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