Devotion:
Read Mark 9:2-8.
Next week, we will begin the Season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. We embark on that 40-day journey (not including Sundays) to Easter. Part of that journey will remind us of much of the darkness Jesus faced, culminating in his crucifixion. On the traditional Church schedule of readings (called the Lectionary), the story of Jesus’ transfiguration is always the Gospel reading for the Sunday before Lent. It is as if we are being reminded of the glory and majesty of Jesus at Easter, before we go back down from that mountaintop to live the journey in between.
When I read the whole story of the life and ministry of Jesus, it is almost like this scene serves that same purpose for these disciples. They are Jesus’ most intimate circle of students. He allows them to experience this glimpse of his glory that will hopefully carry them through the journey ahead. Yes, even they still failed him, but this experience must have added greatly to their new understanding and commitment to him after Easter.
Hopefully you have had and will continue to experience mountaintop experiences in your relationship with Christ that carry you through the difficult times. Yes, even then, we all still fail him at times, but those previous experiences only add to our understanding and commitment when we come out on the other side. As we continue on this journey with him, may we each hear God say “This is my Son. Listen to him!”
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect on the mountaintop experiences you have had with Jesus. Give thanks for the “spiritual boost” they gave you then and still today.
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