Readings for today: Matthew 17-18, Mark 9:2-50, Luke 9:28-56
I love “mountaintop” experiences. Whether I am literally standing on top of the one of many 14,000 foot mountains in Colorado or I am having a powerful experience with the Lord on a retreat or on one of the many mission trips I go on to Eastern Africa each year as I seek to serve the Lord. When I’m having those experiences, my first instinct is to react like the disciples did when they stood on the mountain and saw Jesus transfigured before them. Let’s build shelters and hang out here! Let’s do all we can to remain in the presence of the Lord! Let’s hold on with all our might to what we’ve seen and experienced! But Jesus is quick to remind me, just as He was quick to remind Peter, James, and John, that real life and real ministry happens in the valley. God gives us the mountaintop experiences to inspire us and equip us and strengthen us for the work He’s called us to do once we head down the mountain and back into the everyday.
I’ve always found it fascinating and convicting to pay close attention to what happens when Jesus and his disciples come down from the mountain. They are immediately confronted with the needs and demands of the people who were following them. A man whose son needed freedom from demonic possession. Challenges from the tax collectors in Capernaum. Rivalries within their own ranks over who is the greatest. And most of all, Jesus Himself talking openly and specifically about his suffering and murder at the hands of the Roman and religious authorities. It must have been tough to take it all in. Especially after their experience seeing Jesus in glory talking with Moses and Elijah. But through it all, Jesus is teaching them what it means to serve and follow Him.
The same is true for us. I imagine most of us can think of “mountaintop” experiences we’ve had in life. Moments where the veil between this world and the world to come grew thin and we felt the presence of the Lord in a powerful way. Those are wonderful moments. Moments to treasure up in your heart. But they are not the “end” in themselves. They are the “means” by which God refuels us for His mission in the world. From eternity, God has been on a mission to save and rescue the lost. It’s why Jesus tells His disciples the Parable of the Lost Sheep. God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of His truth and He will not rest until every single one of His sheep has had a chance to hear and receive the gospel. This is the work He’s called us to do and it happens not on the mountain but in the valleys of life.
Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays