Appreciating Silence

We live in a world that doesn’t appreciate silence. Everywhere you go there is noise. If you go to the grocery store, there is music, or in the mall you will be serenaded by some tune. People listen to the radio in their cars or to some kind of device when they are walking or running. Most of us don’t know what to do with silence. There are moments, however, when words are inadequate and any kind of music or noise would be inappropriate. Such a moment came for Peter when he was on the Mountain and he witnessed Jesus’ glory revealed. It was as if the spiritual curtain were drawn back and Jesus’ glory shown forth. His glorified body radiated his clothing, and Matthew says, “His face shown like the sun” (17:2). It was only a small glimpse of Jesus’ glory before Bethlehem and what his future glory will be like, but what a glimpse it was. Peter later wrote about what he saw that day, and he never forgot it (1 Peter 1:7).

At one point Moses and Elijah also appeared in splendor and talked with Jesus about his impending death and resurrection. Though both men had been gone from the earth for nearly a 1000 years, there they were before Peter’s eyes talking with Jesus. Peter hardly knew how to contain himself, so he said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah" (Luke 9:33). Luke adds that Peter really didn’t know what he was saying. Jesus never answered Peter, and I’m sure Peter realized this was a moment that would have been better without any words. It was a moment to stop and contemplate what he was experiencing and not comment on it.

I think there are times that present themselves which are sacred moments, and they don’t need any comment. What we really need is to be quiet and take in as much as we can, especially when it comes to God. Many years later Peter did some thinking about what he experienced that day, and he says that he, John and James were eyewitnesses of his majesty. Here is what he said, “For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."  We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain” (2 Peter 1:16-18).

I encourage you this week to sit in contemplation of who Jesus is. He said he is the bread of life, the living water, the light, the way and the truth. He is the rest we long for and the peace we search for. Sit in quietness and let the awe of God’s presence overwhelm you so that you are speechless.