746. MAT 17:4. PETER’S ECSTASY ON THE MOUNT

Mat_17:4. Peter’s Ecstasy On the Mount

"Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here."’97Mat_17:4.

There are many striking incidents presented to our notice in the holy scriptures. That was a magnificent scene when God displayed his glory to Moses and the elders of Israel. So when the glory of the Lord filled the consecrated temple of Solomon. Isaiah had an overwhelming vision of the divine majesty, when he beheld Jehovah of hosts, whose train filled the celestial, the heavenly temple. But none of these equalled, in all particulars, the sublime yet gracious scene associated with the transfiguration of Jesus, on the holy mountain. It is of that our text speaks, and to that we desire your earnest and prayerful attention. Three things will obviously claim our notice.

I. The place.

II. The advantages. And,

III. The spirit which it should produce. I. The place.

Literally the summit of Tabor, the mount of transfiguration. This mountain we shall especially contemplate, as emblematical of the sanctuary of the Lord’s house, every place where God’s name is recorded, and where his honor dwelleth. In this view several interesting points of resemblance will present themselves to our consideration. Let us view the place,

1. As distinctly separate from the world. See Mat_17:1. Left the busy scenes of the world at a distance. They were now removed from the noisy confusion of earth, and sublunary employments. "Apart." Raised above its anxieties and engagements. Many of these are lawful and necessary, but they are all temporary and perishing. They toil for the bread that endures not, for the enjoyments which in their realization cannot satisfy; but the Christian in the house of the Lord has bread to eat which endures forever, and has a foretaste of the joys which ever flow at God’s right hand. How absorbed and injured would all our spiritual powers become, if we did not turn aside, and ascend the mount of the Lord of hosts. We view it,

2. As the place of happy intercourse with kindred minds.

There were three of the disciples of Jesus, engaged in the same cause, possessing the same spirit, and partakers of the same grace, holding distinguished intercourse with each other. Man is a social being; it is not good for him to be alone. Our bliss is rendered much sweeter when we share it with others.

"Our souls by lore together knit,

Cemented, mixed in one;

One heart, one soul, one mind, one voice,

‘Tis heaven on earth begun."

But on the mount were also Moses and Elias. These sainted spirits came down, and united with the disciples in holding intercourse with the world’s Redeemer, and the Lord of glory. It is not at all improbable that glorified spirits are intimately acquainted with the scenes on earth, and the affairs of the Church. It is affirmed of angels, that there is "joy in their presence over one sinner that repenteth." But then they must know and be acquainted with the event, &c. Why may they not then be present in our religious assemblies, seeing that they are "all ministering spirits sent forth," &c.? We view it,

3. As a place of hallowed instruction. There never was on earth a more glorious convention than on the mount of transfiguration. Moses, Elias, Peter, James, John, and the Lord of glory. But how were the disciples instructed by the conversation of Moses, Elias, and Jesus? Luke states the nature and subject of the conversation, ch. Mat_9:30, &c. The subject was Christ’s decease; that which in all the symbols and sacrifices of the law had typified the passion and death of Jesus. That to which all the prophets had testified’97the sufferings of Christ, and the glory which should follow. That which was to be the great theme of the gospel ministry to the end of the world. Of all subjects, the most interesting, most important, and most precious; and to hear and read of Christ crucified is the great end contemplated in our religious assemblies. "That men may know him, and the power of his resurrection," &c.

4. As a place of glorious manifestation. Here they beheld the Redeemer’s glory, the glory of the only-begotten of the Father, &c. They saw his radiant countenance, his glittering raiment, his effulgent brightness! And when do we see Jesus so clearly, so beauteously, as in his house? David desired to dwell there, that he might behold his beauty. Hence the poet exclaims’97

"I’ve seen thy glory and thy power,

Through all thy temple shine,

May God repeat that heavenly hour,

That vision so divine."

Yes, the glory of God is seen by spiritual persons in his sanctuary, and Christ manifests himself as he does not unto the world. From the place we proceed to consider,

II. The advantages.

"It is good to be here."

1. It is good, as it is acceptable to God. The Lord demands the public homage of his saints.

"He likes the tents of Jacob well,

But still in Zion loves to dwell."

And whoso goes up to the mount to praise and serve him, glorifieth God. With such exercises God is well pleased. It is morally good, to walk pleasing to God.

2. It is good, as it is elevating to the mind.

It exalts the Christian to an equality with angels. It ranks him by the side of seraphim and cherubim. It unites him with them in their services and offices’97

"They sing the Lamb in hymns above,

And we in hymns below."

Look at the Christian in prayer, bowed down at God’s feet, laying hold of God’s strength. Look at him in his praises and meditations, soaring on high,

"Daring to approach the eternal throne,

And calling heavenly bliss his own."

3. It is good, as it is joyous to the heart.

"Blessed are they whom thou causest to approach unto thee; they shall be still praising thee." Our happiest feelings are those of the sanctuary; our sweetest joys are there, often, too, like a little heaven below Who has not exclaimed’97

"My willing soul would stay,

In such a frame as this,

And gladly sing herself away,

To everlasting bliss."

4. It is good, as it is truly profitable to the soul.

Here the Lord prepares the banquet of his love for those who wait upon him. By waiting upon the Lord, spiritual strength is renewed, &c. Holy desires are, excited, power imparted, celestial blessings bestowed, heavenly peace, &c. "I will bless the provisions of thy house, and satisfy thy poor with bread." "They that wait on the Lord shall not want any good thing." What unnumbered blessings we have received in the house of the Lord. We have had cause to exclaim, "He anointed my head with oil," &c.

5. It is good, as it prepares us for the services of heaven.

The house of God beneath, is a striking emblem of the heavenly temple. It is the gate of heaven, near to heaven, like heaven, through which we pass to heaven. The hours of heaven upon earth are those we spend in the holy services of his house. A day in the Lord’s courts is better than a thousand. Consider, then,

III. The spirit which it should produce.

1. A spirit of diligence in rightly using the means of grace.

How we should husband, and make the best of our opportunities. Days of adversity and sickness may come, when we cannot go up to the house of the Lord. Oh, then, let our souls cultivate living activity, giving heed to our mercies, that they may not rise in judgment against us. "Giving all diligence to make our calling and election sure." "Fervent in spirit, saith the Lord."

2. A spirit of love and zeal for the prosperity of Zion.

The Jews evinced this in the days of Moses, when they brought more than was required for the erection of the tabernacle. Nehemiah and his fellows, how they labored for the re-erection of the temple. David, too, how ardently attached he was to the courts of the Lord. "If I forget thee, Jerusalem," &c. "Pray for the prosperity of Jerusalem." "Peace be within thy walls." "For my brethren and companions’ sake," &c.

3. A spirit of ardent longing for the perfected scenes of heaven.

If communion on earth is so sweet, what will it be in heaven? The fountain-head of bliss. The throne, not the footstool. Day, not dawn.

"Where the congregation ne’er breaks up, And sabbaths never end."

"Fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore."

Application

1. How many can experimentally employ the language of the text? It is the will of God it should be so. Seek heavenly influences, &c. It is necessary even to the happiness of this life. Then we are fortified against trouble, &c. We must descend from these mountains, &c.

2. Seek the end of these ordinances. Grace of God, &c. To behold, and enjoy God’s favor, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS