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
It starts out innocently enough. A stroll up the mountain with Jesus. But then company comes. Jesus is joined by Moses and Elijah. What a sight that must have been! Moses, representing the law; Elijah, representing the prophets; and Jesus, representing the fulfillment of both. I'm sensing a theme in the image of mountains in this week's readings. Moses’ face on Mt. Sinai outwardly reflects God's glory. On this mountain, Jesus' face radiates God's glory from within. His divine nature is revealed. Here once again on a mountain God shows up in a cloud that both terrifies and elicits worship. It is on a mountain that God's voice gives authority to the Ten Commandments. It is on a mountain that God’s voice gives authority to Jesus' words. "Listen to him," we are told.
We all have mountaintop experiences, but we also experience life's valleys. Isn't it nice to know Jesus meets us in both places?
Prayer
Father, thank you for being a God of not only mountains, but of valleys as well. Wherever we find ourselves, we thank you that you meet us where we are. Amen.