Transfiguration of Our Lord

Introduction: The cold winds of winter are blowing. The wind chill is minus 30 degrees, the air minus 4 degrees, as I drive to “a mountain to pray.” Just minutes before, I left Jim’s bedside. The next 24 hours will tell the tale. Either the doctors and nurses were in time with medicine or they were too late. The family and I pray and wait.

Two floors down at the same hospital is 87-year-old Sue. Sue has played an active and faithful part in the life of the church. Now the years are catching up with her. Sue has heart, lung, and gall bladder problems. This once strong, vibrant woman is so weak she is unable to raise her head off the pillow.

Sam, age 82, has actively participated in the church and in the community. Now he can hardly speak, and cannot use his left arm or leg. He is dying from cancer, however, today it is his brain tumor that is causing the most problems.

After these pastoral calls, I need to talk to God—to go to “a mountain to pray.” On this cold, wintry day, “the mountain” is a church. Light streams in through the stained glass windows as I pray. Like Peter, John, and James going with Jesus up a mountain to pray, I do not expect anything but an opportunity to share my concerns at the throne of God’s grace.

Jesus Goes to a Mountain to Pray

Eight days before going up the mountain to pray, Jesus told his disciples “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Lk 9:22). Jesus knew what lay ahead and needed time on a mountain to pray.

There seems to be no escape from phones or noise in our nation. In such a world, it would be nice to experience what John, James, and Peter did. They went away to a mountain to pray in silence and solitude. They had silence for a while, but then they saw a miracle and heard a voice.

Jesus Is Transfigured

Jesus’ divine glory shows itself to the three disciples. One writer, Evelyn Underhill, commented, “The voice of God is a gentle voice and we can’t hear it when it is in competition with other voices.” The disciples are on a quiet mountain top to pray and Jesus displays his glory. This glory comes from the divine nature that is his as the Son of God. His glory was usually hidden, but it sparkles in the expression on his face and in the shining of his clothes.

And along with this amazing sight, Moses and Elijah are there in their glorified state as well. They came to discuss the Jesus’ planned departure – His exodus – from this world by means of the cross. And more importantly, what this would mean for the world—Peace with God, the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. Finally, the seed of the woman is here to crush the head of the serpent.

God Cares for His People

What was God’s purpose in having this scene upon the mountain? The visit of Moses and Elijah, and the voice of God from the cloud: “This is My Son, My Chosen one. Listen to Him.” It also prepared the three disciples for the rest of Jesus’ ministry and the events soon to occur which would tempt them to desert their Master.

God cared for his disciples, and he still cares. Our lives flow along each day like a river flows. Sometimes the flow is smooth and peaceful; sometimes there are rocks and cascades. When trials strain our faith and test our patience, when we have used our last bit of strength, how shall we pass through the trials?

Today my mind, as I’m sure is true for many of you, is on the people in Ukraine. As the enemy pounds them with bombs and mortars, they too are praying. Wives and children hiding in bunkers are praying for their husbands and fathers who have been called to pick up a weapon to defend their homeland. Pastors and other church workers have escorted their wives and children safely to the boarder—kissed them goodbye—then returned to their city to bring the comforting message of the gospel to those who have remained behind.

As is our need, so shall be his grace. He will be with us and lead us to the smooth flow on the other side.

His Word says, “God is our refuge and strength.”

“You are My Rock and my fortress.”

And then He says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

“Come unto Me, all of you who are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”

And, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Friends, Jesus’ departure that He accomplished in Jerusalem not only defeated our arch enemy, but brings us peace that the world cannot give. Not only that, his departure also brings us to glory.

Romans 8:18-25 “For I consider that our sufferings at the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. In fact, creation is waiting with eager longing for the sons of God to be revealed. For creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in the hope that even creation itself will be set free from slavery to corruption, in order to share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. For we know that all of creation is groaning with birth pains right up to the present time. And not only creation, but also we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we eagerly await our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. Indeed, it was for this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for something we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patient endurance.”

You and I share in this heavenly glory—including all believers throughout the world— because Jesus did not remain on Mt. Transfiguration but because He went to a greater glory in His suffering upon the cross.

Conclusion: On that cold wintry day, I sat in a pew over a half an hour praying. Then my time of praying “on a mountain” was over. I stood to leave the church. There had been no radiant vision of Christ’s glory. Yet like Peter heard, we too hear: “This is My Son, Whom I love. Listen to Him!”