After six days, Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. (Mark 9:2-4)
Here we are at one of the mystical moments in Christ’s life. It is said about the transfiguration of Jesus took place on Mount Tabor. But Tabor is in the South of Galilee and Philippi far on the northern side. Tabor is only 1000 feet high and in Jesus’ time it had a fort on top. It is more likely that it happened on Mount Hermon, which is 9200 feet high and much closer to Caesarea Philippi.
We will never be able to say for sure what really happened. We can only bow in worship while we try to understand. The Gospel of Mark says that Jesus’ clothes became “dazzling white” At the end a cloud covered them. A cloud always featured when God spoke in the Old Testament: God spoke to Moses in a cloud; a cloud settled on the Tabernacle when God was inside, a cloud filled the Temple of Solomon when God occupied it.
Jesus’ transfiguration was something very precious to Him. He now knew He had God’s approval to continue on the road He had taken. But it was also a very special experience for the disciples. They were devastated by Jesus’ announcement that He was going to Jerusalem to die. They were shocked and didn’t understand. Jesus’ transfiguration gave them something to hold on to. They had the story of His transfiguration in their hearts and could tell it to everybody.
“To be in Christ is redemption, but for Christ to be in you is sanctification. To be in Christ is to be fit for heaven, but for Christ to be in you is to be fit for earth. (Anonymous)
Grace and Peace to You My Friends
It is a difficult time for me Lord, I am in the valley in my life, and how I long to be on your mountain top, and to glorify your name. However during this time I have come to notice a scripture from the book of Nahum in the old testament and it reads as follows The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. With the pain I seem to face all around me I do know one thing and this is to just hide myself in your loving arms. I truly don’t understand all the whys in my life but I do know this one thing, as I remember from the book of Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. As I am walking this journey in my life I know that you are walking along side me, preparing me to do your will, and yes so many times it is so hard, but I know with God all this are Possible, and I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13) Lord give me the strength to go thru the valley so that I can once again be on your mountain top, and even when I am in the pit of despair there also I will praise your Name, because you are the GREAT I AM