How should we respond to God's presence, as seen in Matthew 17:6? Setting the Scene—Matthew 17:6 in Context - Jesus has taken Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. - He is transfigured before them; His face shines like the sun, His clothes become dazzling white (Matthew 17:2). - Moses and Elijah appear, speaking with Him (v. 3). - A bright cloud overshadows them, and the Father declares: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (v. 5). - Verse 6 records the disciples’ reaction: “When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror.” The Disciples’ Immediate Reaction - Fell facedown—total physical surrender. - Terror—holy fear born of encountering divine majesty. - Silence—no arguments, no questions, simply overwhelmed. Biblical Pattern of Responding to God’s Presence - Moses: “Do not come any closer…take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). - Isaiah: “Woe to me, for I am ruined!” (Isaiah 6:5). - Ezekiel: “I fell facedown, and I heard a voice speaking” (Ezekiel 1:28). - Peter: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). - John: “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead” (Revelation 1:17). Key Elements of a Right Response 1. Awe-filled Fear • Not dread that drives us from God, but reverence that drives us to worship (Psalm 33:8). 2. Humility • Recognizing our smallness and His greatness (James 4:10). 3. Submission • “Listen to Him!” echoes through every age; obedience follows true reverence (John 14:15). 4. Worship • Bowing, kneeling, singing—physical and verbal expressions of internal adoration (Psalm 95:6). 5. Confidence through Christ • After the fright, Jesus touches them: “Rise, do not be afraid” (Matthew 17:7). • We may “approach the throne of grace with confidence” because our Mediator invites us (Hebrews 4:16). Practical Ways to Cultivate This Response Today - Begin prayer by acknowledging His holiness before presenting requests. - Read Scripture aloud, letting His voice shape the atmosphere (1 Timothy 4:13). - Kneel or bow during private worship to align body with heart. - Guard casual speech about God; speak His name with honor (Exodus 20:7). - Memorize passages that highlight His majesty (e.g., Psalm 145; Colossians 1:15-20). - In corporate worship, focus lyrics and thoughts on God’s character before personal needs. Assurance in His Presence - God’s glory may overwhelm, yet His touch raises us. - Jesus bridges the gap between holy fear and confident access. - The disciples rose, saw “no one except Jesus,” and followed Him down the mountain (Matthew 17:8-9). - We, too, are called to live daily life grounded in holy awe, guided by the ever-present Son who says, “Do not be afraid.” |
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