Who Are We Pleasing?

 N.T.#201 "Who Are We Pleasing?"

Dec. 13, 2023

Matthew 17-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

The inner circle, Peter, James, and John, joined Jesus as they climbed Mount Hermon. There Jesus was transformed in a personal manifestation of God's glory. Matthew described the Messiah as His face shining so brightly as the sun and His clothing as white as the light. What a sight for the trio. Not only that, but they saw Elijah and Moses conversing with Jesus. (The prophets and the Law, along with salvation by faith were represented then.) Peter jumped in and suggested making 3 tabernacles for worship. (verse 4) That was the wrong thing to say. Ever put your foot in your mouth as Peter?

While he yet spake, behold, a cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him. (verse 5)

No doubt, God got the three men's attention. He spoke to them from a bright cloud. (The disciples fell on their face and were afraid.) When God speaks, we better stop and listen. 

James told us to Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (4:10)

Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

The believer must take deliberate steps each day to baring his mind, body, and life under control so that he can spend time waiting and listening for God to speak. If we quiet ourselves before Him, God can interject His thoughts into our thinking. We need stillness, silence, and seclusion so we can focus our attention on God. Though God may not speak to us audibly, He will move in our spirits and impress our minds. We will know God has spoken to us. God saved us to glorify Him, and He developed a relationship with us so that we can love and understand who He is. Whatever God brings to mind, the best thing is to admit it, confess it, repent of it, and deal with it. (How to Listen to God by Charles Stanley)

When Peter confronted the Sadducees, he and John were bold, but uneducated and untrained me. The Sadducees marveled and realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13) 

Do people recognize us as having been with Jesus? Are we obedient to what the Lord tells us? Do we commit ourselves to listening to the Word, by faith follow Him and apply God's truths in our heart? When we do, then we grow into productive fruit-bearing believers.

LET IT GROW

What did our Heavenly Father say? This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him. (verse 5b)

Well pleased refers to good; well (done); to think will of; approve (an act).

Christ's authority superseded the Law and the Prophets. Do you recall when God said that before? It was in Matthew 3 after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. 

Is our life well pleasing to God? That should be our goal.

Before we get to work for God, we must first listen to Him and clearly hear what is on God's heart. (Blackaby)

Does the Father need to remove from our life those things that are distractions for us? 

Do we need to refocus on Jesus? 

Are there folks around us who need to hear why we celebrate Christmas? 

LET IT GO

Speak to our hearts, Lord Jesus, so we can do Your will Your way.