Read Matthew 17:1-9

Hear Him

Peter, James, and John witnessed a truly magnificent event when Jesus was transfigured while speaking with Moses and Elijah on the mount. Two representatives of the dispensation of Judaism – Moses the Law giver, and Elijah the prophet. Peter’s suggestion is understandable from the standpoint of human curiosity. He wanted to make three tabernacles or shelters to prevent Moses and Elijah from leaving, to keep them there where they could perhaps learn more from them.

God, however, indicated that Moses and Elijah no longer needed to be there. The Father spoke from “a bight cloud (that) overshadowed them”: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5). The time of Moses was drawing to a close; Elijah’s work as prophet was in the past. It was time in the first century—and it is still time today—to listen to the Son of God and no one else.

This is the point the Hebrews writer made in the opening lines to his epistle: “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2). In short, the prophets did their job during the old times, but now under this new covenant, we are to listen to Jesus instead. The prophets prepared the people for the Prince of Peace.

Why do so many want to go back to the old Law of Moses today? Why are so many obsessed with the Ten Commandments? Nine of those ten, by the way, are repeated under the new covenant, so why can’t we be satisfied with the law of Christ?

Read the words that the Father spoke to Peter again: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” He is to be our exclusive authority in all matters, not Moses or Elijah or any other man. Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). If Jesus has all authority, that leaves none for Moses and none for Elijah. Listen to Jesus. Listen to the Son. Obey Him!

Day 142/260: Read Matthew 17

We must never neglect the power of God as we do His work. That was the apostles’ problem in their failure to cast out the demon. They forgot to include God, even though they were working for Him! “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

One commentary says, “Prayerlessness and powerlessness go hand-in-hand.” What a powerful statement! When we dismiss God’s part in His work, we are sure to fail!

Who do you know that needs the gospel? We all have friends and family members who do not live as they should; perhaps they are rebelliously living against God, or they may be very devout but in a false religion. Are we looking for opportunities to teach them “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26)? Are we praying for those opportunities?

The apostle Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him. “Praying…for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make know the mystery of the gospel…that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:18-20). If an evangelist as successful and influential as Paul saw the need for prayer in sharing the gospel, in doing the Lord’s work, shouldn’t we depend on it even more?

The power of prayer must be recognized by every faithful worker in the Lord.

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

Matthew 16:26. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Pray

Pray for opportunities to do God’s work among your friends, family members, and neighbors.