A few days ago, we looked at the story of Moses going up the mountain and encountering God. God’s presence was so real and tangible that Moses’ face was transformed. His face was so radiant that he had to wear a veil around others. There is a similar story in the Gospels about Jesus. We call it the Transfiguration.

In Matthew 17:1-9, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to the top of a mountain. When they reached the top, Jesus was transfigured, and “his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” On top of that, Moses and Elijah appear and converse with Jesus. These are two absolute pillars of the Jewish faith. Peter, James, and John are in awe. This was a supernatural encounter. Peter exclaims, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters- one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Matthew 17:4). While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud appeared, and there was a voice from heaven saying, “This is my son who I love and with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”

When I read this story, I see Peter, James, and John wanting to stay on the mountaintop as long as possible. Who wouldn’t want to? They have just witnessed a supernatural spiritual event. Jesus was changed in front of them. Two heroes of their faith, long gone, appear before them. They want more of the experience.

Life is not one continuous mountaintop experience. We have to come down from the mountaintop. We cannot chase spiritual experiences or highs; we must learn to listen to Jesus. We must learn to be faithful to Jesus’ example and teaching. It is Jesus who transforms our lives. Rather than chasing after spiritual experiences, we must get to know the one who makes the experiences possible.

What are you doing to listen to Jesus? We must learn Jesus’ voice to follow Jesus in the low places and on the mountaintop.

God,
We are grateful for the mountaintop experiences
Where our faith is confirmed and built up.
Help us learn to listen to Jesus so that we might also
faithfully follow him in the low places as well.
Amen.