34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him."
God certainly has a way of making us speechless! Nothing like hearing a voice from the clouds - that’s enough to make even the most loquacious button their lips! Peter was in the process of detailing his tent building plans when God speaks. Not too dissimilar to Jesus’ baptism in Luke, God’s voice once again authenticates Jesus’ ministry:21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Luke 3:21-22 (NIV)
God is making sure we do not miss this - we are to hear, acknowledge, understand and heed the words of Christ. Peter, John and James would have doubtless understood that this was an Old Testament prophetic reference occurring in Deuteronomy given by Moses:15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. Deut 18:14-15 (NIV)
The Bible is full of admonitions for followers of Christ to heed His words – for our own good. Trouble occurs when we dismiss the truth of the Logos. Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew: 24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matt 7:24-27 (NIV)
According to Jesus, you are wise if you hear and heed His words; you are foolish if you allow His words to fall on deaf ears. Many times in the New Testament Jesus follows His words with:15 He who has ears, let him hear. Matt 11:15 (NIV) Also known as - Pay attention! This is important for you to understand! Many do not take His word seriously – big mistake! James tells us: 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22-25 (NIV)
We are called to respond in active obedience to Christ’s words – being doers and not merely hearers only. Paul tells his beloved Timothy:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15 (NIV)
And again, Paul tells the brothers in Christ at Colosse:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col 3:16-17 (NIV)
If you are interested in a wonderful passage regarding God’s precious word, a sound study of Psalm 119 is for you! To whet your appetite a bit, you will find such treasures as: 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalms 119:11 (NIV) 30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. Psalms 119:30 (NIV) 72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. Psalms 119:72 (NIV) 89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Psalms 119:89 (NIV) 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. Psalms 119:92 (NIV) 165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalms 119:165 (NIV)
Hidden in our hearts, chosen as our path, more precious than silver and gold, delightful and bringing peace – God’s word – got it? Get it!