I have been very privileged to visit the Holy Land twice.The first time was about 18 months after becoming a Christian and, whilst full of zeal, I did not know the Bible very well during this visit. The seven years that have passed between the two visits have not been without their challenges but they have helped build my faith and my knowledge of Jesus. As we drove to Mount Tabor, a mountain east of the sea of Galilee and where it is believed the transfiguration of Jesus occurred, I thought about those in between years and how the Lord has changed me. Like many, many Christians who face trials and difficulties we can either run away from God or run towards him. It has been my experience to do both at times but I have found that when we choose to run to him and continue to climb the mountain that has appeared before us, that he never fails to lift us up, prevent us from falling, provide shelters to rest on and blankets in the cold. More than that, he shows us the power of perseverance and how that can deeply affect our walk with him and our outlook on life.It took about 40 minutes to reach Mount Tabor by car. The steep climb out of Galilee was breathtaking with views across the lake right into the Golan heights and Jordan. We stopped to take photos as it was late afternoon and the sun was starting to sink in the sky once again after it's tireless onslaught of burning heat. As we drove on, another range of mountains confronted us, high and grand, with one peak standing out from the rest. The dome like shape was Mount Tabor and the ascent by car seemed to go on and on , back and forth through zig zagged tracks working their way up the side of this wonderful place. I wondered just how long it took Jesus to walk all the way from Galilee with his disciples, Peter, James and John. Did they moan and groan along the way or question the purpose of the journey or did they simply trust and obey their master like sheep following their shepherd? If they had known the sight that would await them, they would have been running to see it. They had no idea that they would see their Lord transfigured before their eyes, his beauty radiating before them and have the supernatural experience of watching their ancestors Moses and Elijah talking with their friend and Lord.
What a crazy sight it must have been, and then to hear the voice of God and stand on such holy ground must have been terrifying. They were not high priests standing inside the Temple's Holy of Holies where an animal had been sacrificed, but two ordinary people standing on a mountain and experiencing the Lord God Almighty as he spoke to his Son, the one that would soon become the perfect sacrifice and way to God. What an awesome moment it was for them.
I find Peter's reaction the most fascinating in this account found in three of the gospels. When confronted with the sight of Moses and Elijah, Peter asks if he should put up tents for Jesus and for the two ancestral visitors. I love Peter.. I have always loved the accounts of his life and his faith in the Bible. He is so human, so real and so in need of grace, which the Lord constantly bestows upon him. He is so like us! Peter's writings are some of my favourite in scripture, speaking about our struggles in trials and how the Lord is with us as we persevere in faith. He points us to the glorious sight of our inheritance. I wonder if this experience here with Jesus shaped his view on things. What an amazing experience, to see the lord Jesus transfigured before them, his face shining like the sun and his clothes becoming as white as light. The humanity of Jesus evaporating into the eternal vision of just who he was, King of the Universe, God's precious Son. No wonder they were terrified and yet this glorious sight awaits us at the top of our mountains. We will be free and home at last, unafraid and in wonder at his mercy towards us. The journey getting there may be one of numerous mountain climbs and deep valley experiences but it will be worth it. It was really a wonderful view when we finally reached the top of Mount Tabor but how much better will heaven be when we finally arrive there!
