Elijah ran – for his life! And when he had run as far as he could, he asked God to take his life. He could not understand this outcome. God had made Himself known and the people had seen it – was this not enough? Obviously, they were still under the sway of the idol-worshipping Jezebel. Elijah was discouraged, disappointed, disheartened and defeated.
What was the result of Peter’s declaration about the identity of Jesus? Having witnessed the miracles and having heard the teaching, Peter confidently asserted that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Here was the long-awaited King who would take the Davidic throne and deliver His people from foreign oppressors and false shepherds (cp. Ezekiel 34). Here was the Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-22) who, like Moses, would speak the words of God directly to the people. And here was the promised Priest (1 Samuel 2:22-36) who would truly represent God to them! The golden age of Israel was about to be ushered in, and Peter would be with Him in His glory!
But what is this he is hearing? Jesus is talking about suffering, of being killed, of rising from the dead (Matthew 16:21). To Peter, this seems to miss the mark. Taking Jesus aside, Peter attempts to educate Him, “This shall never happen to you” (Matthew 16:22 ESV). To Peter’s surprise, Jesus calls him Satan and says he is seeking the will of man, not the will of God! Devastating! Unexpected! And it did not stop there – Jesus went on to say that the way to kingdom glory involved self-denial and a cross. This was not what Peter was anticipating.
So, what about Elijah and Peter? Disappointed and confused, their faithfulness seemed fruitless. What, then, was God’s plan? They were both brought up a mountain. Elijah retraced the steps of Moses to Sinai. There he came to appreciate that God was not into the “flash and dash” of the miraculous. Wind, fire and storm were ways in which God could have worked, but God preferred to call out with the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-13). Further commissioned to serve, and given a glimpse of glory, Elijah returned to his ministry, knowing that God had His people in their place and that He was still at work accomplishing His goals.
Peter found himself on a mountain as well. Together with James and John, he was an eyewitness of the coming kingdom glory. Moses and Elijah joined Jesus as He was transfigured before them. In Peter’s haste he blundered again, but learned that God’s mode of operation was still via the spoken word when He announced: “This is my beloved Son . . . listen to him” (Matthew 17:5 ESV). The road to the fulfilment of God’s purposes was not going to be via pomp and splendour, but, having glimpsed the goal, they would be enabled to traverse the road of self-denial, trusting in the unfailing word of God. As Peter reflects on the experience in 2 Peter 1:16-20, he affirms that the Word of God we have to guide us is a surer witness than the glory-filled experience he had, however amazing it was!
What are we expecting? What is your experience? Days of great witness for God were followed by surprising and disappointing days for both Elijah and Peter. A seemingly great advance for the kingdom was followed by obscurity and discouragement. These men were reminded that God’s ways are different than our ways. That God’s timetable ticks at a different rate. That God is still in control. That God advances his kingdom quietly through His word. That glory is up ahead through a valley that includes a cross.
As always, the message God has for us is clear:
“I have got you and I know what I am doing; trust Me!”
Will I? Will you?
