Matthew 17:1-9 (The Promise)
1 Six days later, three of them saw that glory. Jesus took Peter and the brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. 2 His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. 3 Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him. 4 Peter broke in, "Master, this is a great moment! What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain - one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah?" 5 While he was going on like this, babbling, a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to him." 6 When the disciples heard it, they fell flat on their faces, scared to death. 7 But Jesus came over and touched them. "Don't be afraid." 8 When they opened their eyes and looked around all they saw was Jesus, only Jesus. 9 Coming down the mountain, Jesus swore them to secrecy. "Don't breathe a word of what you've seen. After the Son of Man is raised from the dead, you are free to talk."
This was a ‘stop the clock’ experience. An experience to be savored and consumed;
an experience to be lived in and not go on. But the truth is, this cannot be. We cannot stay on the mountain. We have to come down into the real world, the valley. (Jesus couldn’t either! He came down to the cross!)
On the Mountain top we see what cannot be seen in the valley; it is a high point of faith.
The temptation is to want to stay there - escape from life.
The challenge is to take it with us into the rest of life and let it make a difference in who we are.
We are to leave the mountain top with its experience hidden in our hearts and live, listening to Jesus, letting our lives show that we have been transformed.
“We are to leave the mountain top with its experience hidden in our hearts and live, letting our lives show what we have seen.”
Picture: Sarah Pearson
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