Fear on the Mountaintop

"Six days later, Jesus took with him

Peter and James and his brother John

and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.

And he was transfigured before them,

and his face shone like the sun,

and his clothes became dazzling white."

(from Matthew 7:1-9)

Several years ago, Elaine and I took the Cog railway up Mt. Washington for the sake of adventure and the panoramic view. God provided us with a beautiful day rather than the clouds and drizzle that often happen.

During one of the recent storms, the wind speed reached 120 mph with a windchill of -95. 

A video showed a weather observer trying to reach an instrument only to be blown off his feet and up against a building. 

Can you imagine the observers intense fear? 

This mountain top experience for Peter, James and John was one of confusion and fear. 

As these disciples wondered about making dwellings for Moses, Elijah and Jesus, a bright cloud overshadowed them saying, "This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him."

Overcome by fear the disciples fall on their faces, Jesus touches them saying to get up and not be afraid.

Imagine Peter, James, and John's fear at hearing God's voice! 

This transfiguration story, however, is about much more than fear; it's about transitioning from the broken present age to the rebuilt one based on God's love.

The story, located in the middle of Matthew, focuses on a human response to meeting God with Jesus as the bridge between heaven and earth.

God's voice saying "listen to him", identifies Jesus as God's messenger will bring God's promised completion of the Law and Prophets.

This mountain top experience is an assurance that God, through Jesus, is acting to transform the broken age to a rebuilt one based on justice and righteousness (Amos 5:24).

Although broken age fears of violence, racism and social ills are with us, the transfiguration story assures that as we "listen to him", we will hear stories of God's work of justice and righteousness.

Think about it: Other Bible people frequently say, “Do not be afraid”. Why do you think so?