February 6, 2023 — “The Mountain Top”

“Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him.They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.” Luke 9:28-36

“…an Orthodox priest…was telling…about the iconostasis which is the screen that is put up in front of the altar in Orthodox churches . On certain occasions in the year, the screen is opened up for people to see through. This only happens at certain times such as Easter week. As Father Andrew was speaking, it made me think about how we, as Christians, only see rare glimpses of God. Much of the time we are either asleep, like the disciples, or experiencing hardship, rather than seeing the glory of God on the mountain top. Indeed if we were really to see God in all His glory we would be perplexed and terrified, just as Peter, James and John were. I’m not sure the experience they had was altogether comfortable!” (bryonytaylor.com)

Have you stood on a mountain top and wondered about life, the universe and all things possible? When you stand on the top of a mountain, it seems nothing can surpass that picture, that view, that feeling. And you are right – nothing can top the top of the mountain. But unless we are moving into a monastery somewhere in the Alps, we cannot live on top of a mountain. Oh, yes, some people try – but eventually then need to come down for provisions, for possessions, and for people.

Jesus goes to the mountain top for the moment of his Transfiguration – and it is there where he speaks to Moses and Elijah. It was good for him to be there – it was good for the three disciples to see this experience. But they were not going to stay atop the mountain. In fact, Jesus comes down so that he can be with the people, to gather more provisions, and to preach against the hoarding of possessions to more people. Mountain top experiences are nice, but the place where real action happens is down in the valley. Why? Because everything that goes up, must come down. Even Jesus did not just stay on the mountain – he came down to make things happen. Life cannot just be about mountain tops – because there is only so much room on the top.

Extraordinary sights are nice, but you and I live within the ordinary, practical side of life. Enjoy the mountain-top experiences G-d may give to you, but do not count this as the ordinary, usual thing – especially when we compare them to our everyday, Christian life. We must need to learn to enjoy the toil of the ordinary life – and to learn to find the beauty in the common things of life — for some of the most common things are among the most beautiful when our eyes are taught to see their beauty.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, as much as I long to see you on the mountain-top experiences, help me to see you as I look to serve those who live in the valleys of life. Amen.

Pastor Dave