Think Before You...

Why can't people just keep their mouths shut? Or in some cases, keep their fingers off "SEND"? What is it that compels people to speak when they shouldn't, or say some of the most bizarre and inappropriate things? This is not just a twenty-first century phenomenon.

In Mark 9, Jesus takes Peter, James and John up on a mountain. As they watched, Jesus was "transfigured". Merriam-Webster defines transfiguration as "a change in form or appearance; an exalting, glorifying, or spiritual change." A dramatic metamorphosis! Moses and Elijah even appeared and began talking with Jesus. The disciples were afraid, and Peter suddenly blurts out, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

**Record scratch.**

Most commentaries criticize Peter for placing Moses and Elijah on par with Jesus -- three tabernacles, one for each. Others take issue with the "containerization" of Jesus and Moses and Elijah -- Peter placing them under worldly or mortal restrictions. But there were some other things that came to me, and they, too, seem to reveal what I believe was the root problem -- Peter's immaturity:

1. Jesus obviously put a lot of stock in Peter -- His response to Peter's confession (Matt. 16:17-19), and the simple fact He invited Peter to the mountain, demonstrate Jesus had plans for his life. For Peter to volunteer such a fantastical suggestion, as though people would travel to this one place on earth to see Jesus and the patriarchs like some sacred sideshow betrays just how limited his thinking really was. Jesus created all the earth, the universe and what lies beyond; He is an infinite God with an eternal plan for all of creation!

2. Peter's suggestion was completely without thought. Jesus had just explained -- days before -- all that He would suffer, how He would be crucified and rise again. Exactly how was all of that going to transpire if Jesus was living in a hut on a mountain? Additionally, Jesus corrected Peter for designing his own plan (Mark 8:31) on that occasion; yet, there was Peter, "fixing things" again. "Jesus can remain here; He'll be safe." Are there any "fixers" out there? You know who you are.

3. Peter was afraid. Who wouldn't be? But Peter spoke out of that fear rather than speak out of the confidence that comes from a friendship with Jesus, rather than speak out of the peace that comes from knowing God. Over and over the disciples had been afraid; over and over Jesus struck down fear with His presence and power!

4. Peter "did not know what to say." So why speak at all? Because Peter was uncomfortable; he spoke to regain control of the situation. Jesus, Moses and Elijah were speaking to one another; Peter, James and John were looking on, apparently, in silent terror. No doubt, their minds were racing. "What is going to happen? Why did Jesus bring us here? How did these guys come back from the dead?" The perplexities and dread! "I've gotta do something!" Proverbs 17:28: "Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace..."

Peter went on to do incredible things for the sake of the Gospel. In Christ, none of us is beyond help or beyond hope, and maturity doesn't happen overnight. But thinking before we speak (or tweet, or post, or send) is always a good start!