It wasn’t that long ago that North America had the opportunity to witness a solar eclipse – parts of the country in fact had the chance to see “totality” – where the sun is completely blocked by the moon. It almost appears as if there are flames coming out from behind the moon. We know that in antiquity this was a frightening event. People would shoot arrows and do other things to move the moon away from the sun. For us in the 21st century, we know exactly what is happening – and yet it still is mesmerizing. Once in a while there is some celestial sight that happens somewhere across this planet – and it has the same effect on those who witness it – it is mesmerizing – and frightening – and then it disappears just that quickly. I believe everyone in Russia has a “GoPro” camera mounted on their cars – because that is where we often see these celestial events. And usually when we see them, we turn to someone (if there is someone there) and say something like “Hey did you see that?” 

Now imagine the 1st century follower of Jesus witnessing an event like the Transfiguration – imagine the frightening sight of their teacher completely metamorphosizing in front of them. And not only that, but dead people are standing next to him talking to him – before it all just disappears. We can imagine Peter, James and John blinking their eyes, staring at one another and saying just that: “Hey did you see that?” Could they believe what they had witnessed with Jesus?

When things get scary and go beyond our understanding, what do we do? Do we run away in fright? Do we continue when everything seems to be falling apart, or do we walk away? We all face those pivotal moments, those life altering decisions when we find ourselves facing doubt, fear, indecision – questioning why we have gone down the path we have chosen. These liminal moments are not easy, are they? They can be terrifying.

Think about your own life – think about a similar situation in your life where you faced a decision – did you turn back, or keep going? Did you persevere – or give up? Many of you have faced such a decision – some of you may in fact be facing a similar decision right this moment. To make that decision takes discernment – hopefully getting a sign about which path to choose. This is the dilemma of the disciples this morning – which is often our dilemma. Do they go forward, or walk away? I believe Jesus knew the dilemma the disciples were facing, he was after all the one to tell them that he was going to die. And so he tells the disciples something interesting – they are all going mountain climbing. He says to them “We are going up the mountain.”

This is what difficult decisions often feel like – like climbing a mountain – hoping to get to the top to gain some perspective. What we hope is that the climb will help give us some perspective for dealing with our fears, anguish, doubt and sadness – if not affirmation. And this is exactly what the disciples receive through the Transfiguration – they receive the opportunity to see more clearly than ever that Jesus is the Messiah. But this clarity does not solve their problems. Jesus’ light does shine in the darkness, but that light does not stay just on the mountain top. For you see, reaching the top of the mountain was not their destination – it was actually a continuation of their preparation – just another part of their journey of life – and faith.

On this mountain of revelation and perspective Jesus does not accept the invitation to stay. Jesus knows he must return to face the reality of his most difficult decision – to continue his journey to Jerusalem – and another hill he must climb. You see, the Transfiguration is not an end – it is just another beginning – if not a continuation of Jesus’ story – to minister to the forsaken, the forgotten and the forlorn.

His return to the people reminds us that from our own mountains of perspective, we will also press forward knowing that Jesus joins us on our journeys. Will we always take the right path? Will we always do the right thing? Will we always go forward when we should? Of course not. Sometimes we quit when we shouldn’t – reverse steps when we shouldn’t – go right when we should have gone left.

That, my friends, is why Jesus did not stay on the mountain – why he didn’t abandon his journey – why he didn’t quit. He completes his journey, a journey we cannot even begin – dying for the sins of all people. Rather than escaping with Moses and Elijah, he comes among us to complete his journey.

Pastor Dave