“The Transfiguration!”

“The Transfiguration !”(Mt.17:1-8).
Those who live or work in the top storeys of skyscrapers understand how a view of the valley from the top is like. When they look down, cars look like cats and pedestrians are like Lilliputians.
Being high up there can drag you away from reality. In fact, to some people, when they are at the top, those down on the ground do not only look like Lilliputians. For them, the people on the ground are actually less than Lilliputians! Do not be surprised when such people at the top often inflict pain on the people below.
The top is alluring and that is why some leaders of institutions, organizations, and countries manipulate their constitution’s so that they can stay longer at the top. However, no matter how long one remains at the top, one day the law of gravity must prevail. The top is mainly artificial. Reality and the place of action is on the ground – the valley below.
On the high mountain of the transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ, Peter, James and John, the three disciples whom he took along were enamoured with the airs of superiority of the top. Too soon Peter forgot the reality of existence that was below; and which they were accustomed to.
Caught in the beauty of being on top and remaining there, “Peter said to Jesus, ‘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.” Knowing that the king’s dog is the king of dogs, Peter was thinking about himself. We recall that James and John were the ones whose greatest ambitions were to occupy the right and left seats by Jesus when he assumes rulership of his kingdom!
Jesus took them up the high mountain so that they should be witnesses of his glory. Up there they were given a divine imperative, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Therefore, when God in Christ takes us up a high mountain(position of power and authority), it is not about us. It is about Christ, and that we should be witnesses to his glory and imperatively listen to him.
When we listen to him, we should go down to the valley where the needy souls need our attention. When you are up a high mountain remember that one day you must get back to the valley.
Sunday prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, we have seen your glory. Speak, we are listening and to obey you. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.