Speaking of the Transfiguration...

6When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (Matthew 17:6-9)

Thoughts: The disciples were in awe when Moses and Elijah came- as well they should have been.  But when they heard the voice of the Father, they were scared to death.  Typically, Jesus was not, and sought to comfort them.  Many times he was saying, "Do not be afraid."  He said it when he walked on water, He would say it before His arrest and at His resurrection among other times.  The point of the Transfiguration event was to help them to have courage as they prepared to face the cross.
      Why would Jesus ask them to "not tell anyone what they had seen until after the resurrection?"  There were several prophecies in and out of scripture that Elijah would come back before the Messiah came.  If the disciples let the word out that Moses and Elijah had shown up, there would have been a huge commotion, and Jesus' threat to the authorities and his arrest would have been even quicker.  The event was real, but the meaning is clearer after the resurrection than before it.  There is a time to speak and a time to refrain from speaking.  We would be wise to follow that same advice, and also the advice to not be afraid but have courage as we seek to minister in His name.  

Prayer: Lord, give me courage to do your will and answer your call.  Also give me wisdom so I may speak your truth where it can be heard.