Mark 9: 2- 8 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
Wouldn’t you have loved to be on the mountain that day? Mark has written a wonderful description here of what happened. Yet, I still have trouble picturing it in my mind. It all just seems too amazing for me to comprehend.
Moses represented the Old Testament law. Elijah represented the Old Testament prophets. Their appearance there signified that Jesus was truly the fulfillment of the law and the prophecies.
Peter was the only one who spoke, and even Mark tells us that Peter really didn’t know what to say. So he just said the first thing that came to his mind. But let’s not take Mark’s word for it; instead, let’s look at what Peter himself had to say about this moment:
2 Peter 1:16 – 18 “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.”
Do you notice the differences in the telling of this account? Peter may have said something about Moses and Elijah at the time, simply because he was fumbling for the right words to say. Honestly, I would not have been able to come up with an intelligent thought! But when Peter tells about the experience, his focus was on Christ alone. His focus was on the majesty and glory of Christ.
That should be the story of our lives, shouldn’t it? Many things may show up to distract us from the majesty and glory of our Lord. But we mustn’t let them! The other things in this life, no matter how important or impressive they may seem, pale in comparison with Jesus. He is God’s Son. He is holy and magnificent and majestic. And of all people, He chooses to have a relationship with me.
Me!
Out of awe and gratitude, I should fall on my face before Him, worship Him, and serve Him every day of my life.
Heaven help me, I may stand before His Glory and not be able to form an intelligent thought. Still, I want to give Him the best that I have to offer Him.
My life.
Dear Father, I cannot comprehend Your Majesty and Glory. It is beyond my ability to understand who You truly are. Still, I love You. I worship You. And I want to serve You every day of my life.
Amen
What a great perspective on the transfiguration. It’s so easy to get distracted from a Jesus-only view. Thanks for reminding us of what should be the central focus of our lives. You are always such a blessing, Renae. Thanks for taking the time and effort to let God use you. You make me prouder than prize hunting hound. The kids and i think you are wonderful…and we are right.
“Prouder than a prize hunting hound”? Wow. That might be the best compliment I’ve ever received.
I think you are pretty wonderful, too, Baby!