Now let us reflect on the glorious testimony God the Father
Transfiguration 223, have tabernacles for Christ, and Moses, and Elias, but none for himself. He would be content to lie in the open air, on the cold ground, in such good company. If his Master have not where to lay His head, no matter whether he himself has or not.
5. Perer's MISREADING OF THE EVENT
Yet in this zeal he betrayed a great deal of weakness and ignorance. What need had Moses and Elias of the tabernacles? They belonged to that blessed world "where they hunger no more, nor doth the sun light upon them". Christ had lately foretold His sufferings, and bid His disciples expect the same themselves. Peter forgets that. Or, to prevent it, will needs be building tabernacles in the mount of glory, out of the way of trouble. Still he harps upon, "Master, spare thyself'', though he had been so recently checked for it. There is a proneness in good men to expect the crown without the cross. Peter was laying hold of this as the prize—though he had not yet fought the fight nor finished his course—as those other disciples (Matt. xx. 21). We are out in our aim if we look for heaven here upon earth. It is not for strangers and pilgrims (such we are, in our best circumstances, in this world) to talk of building, or expect a continuing city. Yet it is some excuse to the incongruity of Peter's proposal, not only that he knew not what he said (Luke ix. 33), but also that he submitted the proposal to the wisdom of Christ: ''If thou wilt, let us make tabernacles."'
Whatever tabernacles we propose to make ourselves in this world, we must always remember to ask Christ's leave. Now to this which Peter said there was no reply made. The disappearing glory would soon answer it. They that promise themselves great things on this earth will soon be undeceived by their own experience.
6. Gop's GLorious TESTIMONY Now let us reflect on the glorious testimony God the Father gave to our Lord Jesus. '"'This is my beloved Son, hear ye him." Here the great Gospel mystery is revealed. This was the very same testimony given from heaven at Christ's baptism, and it was the best news that ever came from heaven to earth since man sinned. Moses and Elias were great men and favourites of heaven, yet they were but servants that God was not always well pleased in; for Moses spake inadvisedly and Elias was a