Matthew 17:1-9 (NRSV)
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Chapter 17Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. Verse 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Verse 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Verse 4Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Verse 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" Verse 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. Verse 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." Verse 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. Verse 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
Devotion
Coming down from a mountaintop, faith-filled and awe-inspired, it is hard not to shout it out! The reality is, of course, no one around you could ever appreciate the significance of what you have just experienced. Nor should they, for the promise is that they will have their own, if they have eyes to see and ears to hear. So, as for the disciples of Jesus, we simply receive it for the gift it is; informing our lives, building our faith, and encouraging us to continue the journey.
God's people don't live on the mountaintop--such high points are what they are, and do what they do. It is nice to appreciate them, and we are grateful God provides them. But we do not make camp there. Rather, down we go into a world of need, hurt, hunger and opportunity. It is a world for whom God has a heart, and to whom God has a mission.
Prayer
To you, O God, we offer our worship and praise! We are grateful for the many ways you encounter us, blessing our lives and evoking our faith. Most especially, we thank you for the high moments, precious and few, which propel us with confidence and conviction into a world you have died to save. Amen.