Matthew 17
Pastor JoAn Blackmon
Ever since they committed themselves to Jesus, life for Peter, James and John had become an adventure. On this day, Jesus invited them to come with Him and they began a long walk up a mountain. Since they were well aware of Jesus’ habit of finding a private place to pray, I’m sure that they expected this trip would culminate in a conversation with God.
That’s exactly what happened, but in a way they would NEVER forget. Right before their eyes, this man, Jesus, transformed from man to God: “His appearance changed from the inside out…Sunlight poured from His face. His clothes were filled with light.” Matthew 17:2b (The Message). Unbelievable, but true!
Peter’s mind hadn’t yet understood exactly what was happening, but his mouth was already in motion. He commented and rashly proclaimed plans for what he and his friends would do as a result of what they had just experienced, only to be interrupted magnificently by the VOICE OF GOD.
As I think about that, I am reminded that moments on the mountaintop are not for the purpose of adding something to my “to do” list. They are given by an Awesome God who wants to take our breath away. Sometimes it is just this simple - He wants to be Himself around us.
It is enough for us to just be there.
A native of Barron, Wisconsin, JoAn Blackmon is in her 12th year of service on the Grace Covenant pastoral staff.
