THE MASTER ON PRAYER MOUNTAIN (2)

“…He took Peter, John, and James and WENT UP on the MOUNTAIN to PRAY” – Luke 9:28b

The Transfiguration event provides another rich narrative of the MASTER ON PRAYER MOUNTAIN: “Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and WENT UP on the MOUNTAIN to PRAY” (Lk.9:28). Jesus often took time for private devotions to God; and, the Mountain happened to be one of His favourite prayer locations: “And when He had SENT the multitudes AWAY, He went up on the MOUNTAIN by Himself to PRAY” (Mt.14:23); “And when He had SENT THEM AWAY, He departed to the MOUNTAIN to PRAY” (Mk.6:46). There is a time to send away all busy-ness and distractions and concentrate on God! The mountain may not be the most appealing place to want to go alone, especially after sunset or in the dark night, but that was the Master’s choice. Jesus even spent the whole night on a mountain praying on at least one occasion, prior to choosing His apostles (Luke 6:12–13).

Within a few days, the world of the disciples had spun around, jerked, and been in flux. They had seen the storm-whipped waves of the Sea of Galilee calmed, a raving demoniac clothed and restored to his senses, and five thousand plus people fed from five loaves and two fishes. Then, Peter had voiced their unanimous verdict: Jesus is God's Messiah (Lk.9:20). But a few minutes later, Jesus began to unfold a troubling and dissonant future, one that they utterly failed to comprehend – that the Son of Man will suffer, be rejected, killed, and raised. If anything, the Messiah was the one who should be making Israel's enemies suffer; not He to suffer! These formed the prelude to three of them being invited to behold the Messiah’s Glory on the Mountain! What a privilege – to be asked to join Jesus for a time of prayer!

Having been relieved of the crowd, Jesus ascended the mount to pray, and there He experienced a profound moment of divine encounter. It’s hard to imagine the effects this had on the three disciples! What was it about Peter, James and John that they were the only ones to be allowed into this amazing experience? What effect did the presence of Moses and Elijah have on both Jesus and the chosen apostles? We are told that: “As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glittering” (v.29). He appeared in His Glory! This underlines the transformative power in prayer! We also can be changed in the place of prayer as we devotedly walk with God.

The disciples were encouraged as they saw Jesus as He really is. Accompanied by Moses and Elijah He was guided by the law and by the prophets – balanced wisdom that drew from Tradition and Vision! Peter was so enthralled he wanted to stay with the glorious moment (v.33). However, a divine cloud covered them, and the voice of God called the disciples to listen. They were not to be distracted by what they witnessed and end up missing the meaning that they had to listen closely for, the confirmation of the Lord’s identity and Mission: “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” (v.35). We also might need some more silence in our lives, that we may listen closely to the Chosen One.

While Jesus was transfigured, the lives of the three men were also definitely changed. In our journey in God, it’s great to experience such high moments when we find ourselves on holy ground, and God shows Himself. No wonder Peter wanted the party to go on forever! But Jesus brought him down to earth, led him down the mountain, told him to top talking about the vision and instead be ready for Calvary! That’s the reality of Life in Christ. All through life, we go from one little piece of holy ground to the next while the Lord gives us the strength to keep going in between, by Faith! As we abide faithful, we shall be transfigured in His Glory: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col.1:27).