“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)

The above was said by Peter on the occasion of Jesus taking Peter, James, and John to a high mountain apart from everyone, where He was transfigured. This occurred shortly before Jesus “endured the cross, despising the shame,” as Hebrews 12:2 tells us.

“Transfigured” is defined as being “transformed into something more beautiful or to be elevated.” Isaiah the prophet said he would be “as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2), but on this occasion, Matt. 17:2 tells us, “his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.“

We also know by this scripture that Moses and Elias appeared unto them all and spoke with Jesus. Wonder what they said? (Oh well, another blog…) What we do know is that, so great was the occasion, it caused Peter to want to build three tabernacles, one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elias. 

But God cut off Peter and overshadowed them with a bright cloud, and a voice was heard to say: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matt. 17:5).

This statement was made in the Book of Mormon when the people were gathered at the temple after the destruction on this land. Scripture tells that they cast their eyes upward and heard the voice the third time, “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him” (3 Nephi 11:7). The difference is that the event in Matthew occurred before the resurrection and the event in 3 Nephi happened after the resurrection.

“When the disciples heard the voice, they were afraid and fell on their faces. But Jesus touched them and said, “Arise, and be not afraid” (Matt. 17:7). 

I want to challenge us to get to church as often as we can. Sunday school, MBA, Ladies Circle, Sunday services, mid-week meetings, picnics, zoom calls—wherever and whatever occasion that allows us to join together with the people of God. 

The mount of transfiguration was an outdoor church location for the disciples. The people on this land gathered at the temple. “Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob…” (Isaiah 2:3).

Something special always happens when God’s people get together. 

There is a special blessing in the fellowship of the saints. 

Going to church helps us focus on Jesus. 

“And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.” (Matt. 17:8)

It will always be good For Us to be there. 

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:20) 

There were only a few people on the mount of transfiguration, and 3 Nephi indicates a great multitude. Although our church numbers may vary from time to time, the blessing of God is always there. We can see the heavens open, hear the voice of the Lord, and see manifestations of God’s Holy Spirit.

Something special will always come out of making an effort to go to church. We will be there, and Jesus will be there For Us.

God’s Wonderful People

I love the thrill that I feel when I get together with God’s wonderful people
Love the thrill that I feel when I get together with God’s wonderful people
What a sight just to see all the happy faces
Praising God in heavenly places
What a thrill that I feel when I get together with God’s wonderful people

Now it can be just anywhere
Two or three are gathered there
That the spirit of the Lord will be there too
There’s no fellowship so sweet
There’s no thrill that can compete
With the thrill I feel whenever God’s children meet

God Bless You All,

Brother Jim Sgro

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.

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