Epiphany 7

(Transfiguration)

Preparation

    Please begin by reading Luke 9:28-36 in your Bible. If you do not have one at hand, we have provided that text for you at the end of this reflection.

Reflection--Mountain Tops  
  
   In this lesson, Luke tells us about some remarkable things that happened on a mountain top.  This story brings a lot of things together, with glimpses of both the past and the future.

    As he often did, Jesus left the crowds for awhile to reenergize himself with prayer (what a lesson here for our own faith walk!). He went up a mountain to pray.  The setting of the story is a significant detail. In the Old Testament, mountain tops were places where people encountered God.

    Deep within prayer, Jesus' appearance began to change, taking on a heavenly light. Those hearing this story who remember the shining appearance of Moses after his encounter with God on Mt. Sinai will recognize that God was present.

    Soon, Jesus was joined by two shining figures from the Old Testament; Moses and Elijah. They represent the centuries of the beginnings of our faith story, the law and the prophets. Jesus talked to them about things to come--his final journey to Jerusalem and what would happen there; his crucifixion and resurrection and all that those events mean. (Wouldn’t you have loved to overhear that conversation!)

    A cloud appeared.  This is another significant sign.  In the Old Testament, when God came to Mount Sinai to give the people the 10 commandments, a thick cloud settled on the mountain.  (Exodus 19:16) From the New Testament we know that when Jesus returns to earth some day, it will be in "in clouds with great power and glory."  (Mark 13:26)  As on Mt. Sinai, God spoke from the cloud, but this time it was to affirm that Jesus is the Son of God and that we are to listen to him. It is an affirmation like the one heard at Jesus’ baptism, when God spoke and said "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

    There were also three ordinary people present; three of the disciples. At first they watched through sleepy eyes, but then they came fully awake when they saw the astonishing events happening in front of them.  Well-meaning Peter, undoubtedly startled by what he saw, as anyone would be, rattled on about making houses for Jesus and his two visitors right there on the mountain top.

    But what is in this story for us as we live out our lives? Let me suggest just a few things.

    It is no accident that there are references here to faith-story events stretching far back into the past and far into the future. God’s view of time is far different from ours. It is so easy for us to loose our way fretting over the hurts and problems of the moment, but God’s plan works itself out over vast stretches of time. So often, like the disciples, we sleepily concentrate on what is ultimately trivial and risk missing what God is doing all around us. Don’t spend so much time focusing on the problems of the moment that you lose track of the big picture! Faith lives in the long view.

    Another lesson is about mountaintops. Sometimes God may do something dramatic in our lives that brings us face to face with God's reality. These can be incredible moments when we are aware of God's presence and of God's inexpressible love for us.  We may be filled with wonder and awe.  Many people speak of these times as "mountain top" experiences. 

    These times are so powerful that we want to stay in them forever, but we are not to start thinking of construction projects like Peter did. We are not to build a house on the mountain top and move in.  These mountain top moments are to strengthen our faith so that, just like the first disciples, we can go back down the mountain and move forward into discipleship and service.  Thank God for your mountain top moments, but then move on!  They are to bless you and empower you to do what God calls you to do, not places to move into and stay.

    Finally, if we did not know before, after the transfiguration there can now be no doubt about who Jesus is and his importance in our lives. Moses and Elijah depart and we are left with a word from God. Listen to Jesus! Pour over his every word and action. Here is where we will find life!

revclay

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Luke 9:28-36 (NRSV)

    Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

    Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" - not knowing what he said.

    While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.