This Sunday, we will read Luke's story of the disciples experience with Jesus on a mountaintop, when they saw Jesus transformed in front of their eyes. (Luke 9:28-43). I often wonder what Peter, James and John went through in that trip up and down the mountain. Obviously, I can't walk in Peter's shoes, or crawl inside his mind to really understand his experience, but I like to speculate about what was going on for him. First off, I wonder if Peter questioned why they were following Jesus up a mountain. Was it a steep trail, did they linger looking at scenery, or did they just head for the top. They were obviously tired when they got to the top because the story tells us they were weighed down with sleep--maybe Jesus had chosen a really steep trail or had really set a quick pace to the top--kind of like they were at a workout camp.
In their sleepiness, they look up and see a sight that astounds them. Jesus is appearing dazzling white and absolutely glowing. You know the kind of glow that people have when something great is having—the kind of glow that a bride has at her wedding. As if Jesus’ glow is not enough, Moses and Elijah show up. What were Peter, James and John thinking. Did they pinch themselves to see if they were really awake. Did they wonder why Elijah and Moses were there to accompany Jesus? Did they hear the two great prophets giving advice to Jesus to guide him through his upcoming difficult days in Jerusalem.
Whatever was going through Peter’s mind when he told Jesus that he would build huts for Elijah, Moses and Jesus? Did he want to be of service; did he want to do something nice for these three great people; did he want them to stay, so he could prolong the experience? Did the experience so overwhelm him that he just wanted to do something practical?
Then I wonder what it felt like to hear a voice from the clouds. The story indicates that it was terrifying. Did Peter or James or John realize that the voice belonged to God? Did they think that perhaps they would see God face to face? Did they understand what was meant by the voice claiming Jesus as its own son? Did they wonder if they were going to be whisked off the earth like Elijah had been? Were they perhaps laying face down on the ground wondering what would happen next?
If their walk up the hill was rugged and exhausting, what was their trip downhill like? Were their heads still back on the mountain top puzzling out what had happened? While they were thinking about the experience, did their feet stumble or did they float back down the mountain after their other worldly experience? Did they have words to express what had happened to them?
Very few of us will ever hear God speak to us, but many of us may be moved God’s spirit. Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit’s presence guiding or coaching you? Have you been able to hold onto this experience in your mind? Have you followed the Spirit’s lead or have you ever wished that you had? As you puzzle through your daily life, struggle with decisions facing you, or work through a difficult situation may God’s Spirit walk alongside of you guiding and leading you.
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