Sunday 03 March 2019
- Bible Book:
- Luke
A voice came from the cloud, saying, ’This is my Son, whom I have chosen, listen to him.’ When the voice had spoken they found Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen. (v. 35-36)
Psalm: Psalm 99
Background
This strange event, only witnessed by three chosen disciples, was very much outside their comfort zone. Peter tried to bring the experience down to earth, but that was a mistake. Imagine how he felt about it afterwards.
High, high into the mountains we climbed with him,
higher than we had ever climbed before.
He led us on up steep and rocky pathways
made by wild animals and a few stray sheep.
Shrouded, clouded was the mountain top he aimed for,
invisible to the waiting crowd below.
He stopped and we could catch our breath and wonder
why he had brought us to this desolate place.
Bright, bright, the light that split the clouds asunder;
spilt sunshine on the scene, dazzling our eyes.
And there he was, bathed in the glory of the heavens
and unsurprised by this amazing vision.
Fear, apprehensive fear, was our first reaction
when those two men appeared within the sun.
He showed no fear, but went to meet them gladly
and talked with them as if they were expected.
Peace, peace, came down upon us as we recognised –
though how it happened, we will never know –
his greetings were to Moses and Elijah;
prophecy and law personified for him.
Dazed and amazed we were, to hear that voice from heaven,
“This is my Son,” we hardly heard the rest.
He raised his head and he was bathed in glory;
transformed, transfigured, holy, touched by God.
Fool, fool, I was to break out into speaking;
trying to capture the moment for all time.
He understood, but once again rebuked me,
“We cannot stay up here. Our work is there, below.”
Down, down into the valley we descended,
with wisps of glory round reluctant feet.
And he, still shining with God’s confirmation
moved on towards the crowd and to his cross.
After an experience like that is it any wonder that those three were wary of talking about it? Who would believe them? Better to get on with the practical work waiting in the valley. That was something they understood.
To Ponder:
- How do you respond when you hear stories of visionary experiences in faith?
- What steps have there been in your life that have led you to search for faith, or to move on to a new experience, or a deeper commitment?