Jesus Only | Morning Routine for September 19

And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only. —Mark 9:5–8 (ESV)

Mark 9 contains the account of Jesus’ ‘transfiguration’—when Jesus’ appearance was transformed in the presence of His three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. As if that wasn’t enough, Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus! What would you do had you been there?

Well, Peter was seldom short of words, even if he put his foot in his mouth more than the other disciples. He speaks up. You can almost imagine Jesus, Moses, and Elijah stopping their conversation and turning to Peter—what will he say? “Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Mark explains: Peter was terrified and didn’t know what to say. What happens next gives us a not-so-subtle indication that Peter’s suggestion, however well-meaning it was, missed the mark. A cloud overshadowed them and the voice of God the Father proclaims: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And then: “suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.” Jesus only. 

Many people, places, and things compete for our attention and devotion. Sometimes those are good things. What God tells us through the account of Jesus’ transfiguration is that Jesus is preeminent, all-important, and alone worthy of our devotion. This is the beloved Son of the God of the Universe, who says, “Listen to Him.” Be devoted to Jesus only this week. Jesus only.