Lent, Day 16: BACK DOWN THE MOUNTAIN

Scripture:   Mark 9:2-9

Focus on the Word

Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain where they met with the prophet, Elijah, and the lawgiver, Moses.  It was a staggering encounter and Peter wanted to build three tabernacles on the mountain one for Jesus, one for Elijah, and one for Moses.  Suddenly they all heard a voice come from within a cloud that had formed over them, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him” (Mark 9:7, NASB).  The disciples were taken aback by the voice and by the sudden absence of Elijah and Moses.  The next thing we learn is that Jesus leads Peter, James, and John back down the mountain into their world and whatever awaited them there.

As they journeyed back down the mountain Jesus “gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead” (Mark 9:9, NASB).  As far as we know the three men followed their orders, and continued on in their journey with Jesus.

It is easy to understand why Peter would want to stay on the mountain.  Talk about a mountain high; that would have been it.  But, Jesus didn’t come to stay on the mountain.  He came to bring the very life of God into the human situation, and the human situation takes place in the valley.  That’s where the grace of God is needed.  That’s where the love of God is needed.  That’s where forgiveness is needed.

 

In Lent we search our hearts.  Better, we invite God to search our hearts.  We hear what God has to say.  We listen.  We are still.  In the solitude we hear a voice that says to us, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him.”  

Today’s Prayer

Look upon us, O Lord,

and let all the darkness of our souls

vanish before the beams of thy brightness.

Fill us with holy love,

and open to us the treasures of thy wisdom.

All our desire is known unto thee,

therefore perfect what thou hast begun,

and what thy Spirit has awakened us to ask in prayer.

We seek thy face,

turn thy face unto us and show us thy glory.

Then shall our longing be satisfied,

and our peace shall be perfect.

(Augustine, 354 - 430)