Given By Rev. Madison Shockley February 11, 2018

Have you ever had a mountaintop experience? It is a moment in your spiritual life that is transcendent. Our reading today talks about that kind of moment for the disciples, Peter, James, and John. When Jesus’s clothes become dazzlingly white, it offers the clue as to the destiny of Jesus. He is to die a martyr. This was his example to others that there are things worth dying for. In addition, there is the ultimate endorsement of Jesus. The prophet, Elijah, and the law-giver, Moses, appear on the mountain. This shows that Jesus’s mission of bringing the good news stands equal with those of Moses and Elijah. It was Mark’s way to show that following Jesus was the correct path. The passage goes on to show that the disciples still did not get it though. They asked to build three temples to honor Elijah, Moses, and Jesus. They wanted to forsake the mission and stay on the mountain. This is not what God wanted though. We should not confuse the monument with the work of God. The story continues with a voice from the clouds. The voice tells them that this is my son. Listen to him. It is not enough to confess with your mouth and believe in your heart. You must also listen to Jesus. This is why we study the Bible. We need to know what Jesus said in order to listen and follow his words. It is a call to sacrifice, hard work, and service.  There are many struggles we must face. We need that mountaintop experience to help us through these struggles. It is a way of life. Let the mountaintop recharge you for the struggles in the valley.

Video: