LBW 89, “How Good, Lord, to be Here”
Devotion
This hymn, based on the Transfiguration text, reflects the disciples’ gratitude at witnessing this miraculous event. Likewise, it reflects the good feeling that comes from worshipping with the congregation where we bring our prayers, sing God’s praises, hear the scriptures read, receive encouragement from a sermon, offer our tributes and receive the sacraments.
Echoing Peter’s sentiment, we can sing, “How good, Lord, to be here!” The glow of that event lived in the minds of the disciples and was a foretaste of the feast to come. After the Lord was raised from the dead, they understood that Jesus was indeed the beloved who spoke God’s final word.
We can’t live forever on the mountaintop. Most of the time we live in the valleys. But here we get a glimpse of God’s glory “before we taste of death.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, since you bid us leave the mount, come with us to the plain. Amen.