+ “It Is Good For Us To Be Here!” +
Board for Evangelism Newsletter: February 2009
These words were spoken by the completely stunned disciple Peter, who – along with the disciples James and John – was beholding a sight like nothing he had ever seen before, or would ever see again. His Teacher and Friend Jesus Christ– the One with whom he and the other disciples had traveled and worked for over two years – was being “transfigured” before them. The three disciples had gone up the mountain with the Lord Jesus, who looked as He always did – very human! Suddenly they beheld Him, now displaying His glory and majesty as the eternal Son of God! Peter then spoke the words, “It is good for us to be here,” because, we are told, he was afraid and he didn’t know what else to say. It was a sight the three disciples never forgot.
Why was it “good” for them to be there that day, witnessing Jesus’ glory as they did? In the blessing of the Holy Spirit, what they saw that day confirmed what Jesus had been saying about Himself throughout His ministry: that He indeed is true God, and that God the Father had appointed Him to be the Savior of the world. Therefore, nothing less than God Himself, given in amazing love for us, would be the Lamb of
Sacrifice to atone for the world’s sins at the cross. This complete and perfect salvation Jesus came to win for the world is given freely to sinners through faith in his Name.
This is the message Jesus’ disciples, like Peter, were to proclaim – and did proclaim. They witnessed faithfully to what they saw. Their message is God’s message that cheers the sinful heart in the power of Christ’s forgiveness. It gives sinners peace from their sins (which are many) and hope in the midst of the storms of life (which are severe). This message saves Peter, you and me, and all who believe in Jesus!
Therefore it is always good for believers to be “here” with Jesus. Where is “here” for us today? With Jesus when he comes to our hearts through His Word and Sacraments of baptism and Lord’s Supper! We may not see his glory through them, but we do receive what he did for us at the cross, his forgiveness, which will enable us to see him someday in heaven’s glory!
“It is good for us to be here”
(Mark 9:5)
