When you read Matthew 17:1-13, you can see 2 things:
One is the transfiguration of Jesus.
The other is the presence of Moses and Elijah.
How could anyone recognise that they were Moses and Elijah?
My gut feeling is that Jesus introduced them to His disciples, because I personally cannot recognise one man of God from another.
Immediately, Peter suggested building earthly memorials to the 3 of them.
This is what human beings still like to do, to remember good ancestors with physical memorials.
Yet, God thundered from heaven to tell Peter, James and John to obey Jesus.
Clearly, God is not into earthly memorials.
Obedience is more important.
I wonder how many “believers” are building their empires on Earth.
They spend money on investments and grand buildings, as if these things mattered.
From remembering good ancestors, they have changed to getting other people to remember them, while enjoying the goods of the Earth.
They are already rewarded in this lifetime for the things they do for God.
I wonder how they would respond if God comes during their lifetime and destroys all their treasures in front of them on Judgement Day.
At the point of the transfiguration, John the Baptist (Elijah) had already been killed (Matthew 14:1-12).
It is commonly believed that Jesus was facing His approaching death too, and needed some encouragement.
Thus, God sent Moses and Elijah.
Why were these 2 prophets chosen?
Why did the list not include prophets like Samuel or even Elisha?
There are 2 learning points from this account:
1. Are you that good for God's use?
Looking at Exodus 3, you can tell that God started using Moses, only when he was old and useless.
He had already retired by that age.
Similarly, looking at 1 Kings 17, you could not see any background of Elijah that suggests influence, power and wealth of any sort.
He himself was affected by the drought.
What kind of people does God pick?
He picked only those whom cannot boast of their own abilities or possessions, so that all honour and glory go to God.
He picked only those whom clearly recognise their insignificance and reliance on the Lord.
What a contrast to those who seek to be recognised as great Church leaders today!
I strongly believe that there are no great Church leaders, only well-used Church leaders of a great God.
2. How enjoyable is God's will for us?
From Exodus 17, you can tell that Moses served a people who were ready to kill him at the least test of faith.
Similarly, in 1 Kings 19, Elijah declared that the people he was serving were trying to kill him.
How easy is it to be a “servant” of God in this age!
The admiration, the reverence and the financial rewards that come with the job is a strict contrast to what the true servants of God went through in the past.
“Believers” freely abuse Bible verses to claim blessings (usually financial) for themselves without regards to the righteousness required by God in the same passage.
Christianity has somewhat become a popular pastime, instead of a life-changing return to God.
Our God has been made into the popular god of wealth and fortune by people with itching ears.
Again, why did God choose Moses and Elijah?
I believe that having gone through real death threats, and understanding that God has a special timing and purpose in choosing them, they are best positioned to encourage Jesus about the plan God has.
In effect, it is to remind Jesus to trust God, no matter how bad the current situation may appear.
Rain does not continue forever.
The sun will shine through again.
Yet, the heat does not last forever too.
Without the rain of troubles, there is no way our spiritual selves can receive life.
Without the heat of persecution, there is no way our spiritual selves can become stronger.
What really matters is our response to the Lord amidst the troubles and the persecution.
How much do we really trust God?
Choose to give thanks now!
