Today's Lectionary TextMark 9: 2-8Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. Today's Devotional
I have always loved the Transfiguration story, no matter which Gospel writer tells it, and I have preached upon the text in many different ways. However, the story of going up on the mountain always brings back for me great memories of the time I hiked to the top of a 10,000-foot peak in Southern California. From the ski lift to the top was a strenuous 2,000-foot hike that took me three hours. I was exhausted when I finally reached the top, but the effort was worth it! It was actually a clear day in Los Angeles and I had a 360-degree view from the ocean to downtown to the mountains to the east to the desert in the north! I found myself wanted to stay up there forever and not come back down, but the rangers would not allow that, so I did come back down, and then wanted to share the experience with everyone (I later hiked to the top with my sons, and then with my youth group).
I have likened this experience to many other times in my life, overcoming difficult obstacles and being exhilarated, and then to not let the experience end but to share it with others. It also may have been a little like that for the disciples who trekked up on the mountain with Jesus, and who then experienced something extraordinary, who glimpsed eternity, and then had to leave and come back down the mountain. Despite Jesus’ admonition to not tell just yet, they would soon have the opportunity to share the story with the whole world. Mountaintop experiences are to be savored and then shared! -Rev. Galen Wray
Retired Elder Prayer for ReflectionDear God, you are with us through the peaks and valleys of our lives, and through you we too can glimpse eternity. Amen.
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