IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE
“Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.” Matthew 17:4
What a glorious experience that Peter, James, and John were privileged to share, as Jesus was transfigured before them. His face shined as the sun and His clothing was white as the light. Moses and Elijah appeared, conversing with Jesus. God audibly spoke to them out of Heaven. Wouldn’t it have been wonderful to be there? Peter felt the same way.
We can only imagine all that Peter must have been thinking in his statement, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” It was good for them to see and hear what occurred on that mountain. There was no place they would rather have been than where they were at that moment of time. Though, in this life, we will never know exactly what it was like for Peter and the others, we have seen enough of the blessings of God and known the sweetness of His presence to say many times in our hearts, “it is good for us to be here.”
The things that made this a most memorable occasion, are just as much a part of our spiritual journey, though to a lesser degree. It was glorious that day because Jesus was there. Those of us who know Him personally through our abiding relationship, can give thanks that He is not only with us, but has promised to never leave us. On that magnificent day, the Lord was not only with the disciples, He manifested His glory in their presence.
We can also thank God for the times along our way that Jesus has made His presence known to us in a special way. Peter, James, and John heard the words of the Old Testament prophets and the voice of God speaking to them from Heaven. Though we have never heard His audible voice, we can rejoice and give God glory for the times the prophets have spoken to us through the pages of Scripture and we have heard the small, still voice of God bear witness with the truth in our hearts.
How blessed they were to be with Jesus on the mount, but how truly blessed we are to be able to walk with Him by faith. When we are aware that we are in the presence of Jesus and He is manifesting more of His glory to us, and the Spirit of God is writing His Truth on the pages of our hearts, it would certainly be appropriate for us to say, “it is good for us to be here.”