“And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.” - Luke 9:28-29
As you look back at your Christian life, can you pinpoint three or four events that you'd consider outstanding? Such moments were life-changing. They were breakthrough moments. More than likely, you consider these days as pinnacle events. They are the highlights of your Christian walk.
Often, we use the word, “mountain,” to metaphorically describe such days. We have those “mountain-top” experiences that are unforgettable. In contrast, the low points of life are often referred to as “valleys.” We've had many of them as well.
For the disciples, one of the “mountain-top” experiences came literally on a mountain. Yet only Peter, James and John were permitted to go there with Jesus. Sadly, many believers don't experience certain blessings in life. Only those closest to Jesus are allowed to enjoy some of these experiences.
Notice what our text states: “And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.” The Bible says that Jesus went up in the mountain to pray. Most of us would think we should go up in a mountain to sing or reflect. But Jesus went there to pray. Perhaps we'd have more “mountain-top” experiences if we would be determined to pray. Prayer was the reason for this journey, yet something else was going to occur.
The Bible says, “And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.” Jesus was transfigured before them “as he prayed.” When Moses met with God, the Bible says that his countenance shined. It makes a difference when a person meets with the Father. Notice that the raiment of Jesus was “white and glistering.” His garment was shining. It was bright. The disciples caught a glimpse of the glory of God.
A time of prayer turned into a time of glory. A place of prayer became a sight of splendor. Moses and Elijah would join Jesus for this momentous occasion. There had never been event like this one. It all began as Jesus prayed.
Let me make a confession. My prayers have not produced the kind of results His prayer did that day. Yes, God has heard and answered my prayers in the past, but my place of prayer has never become a place where Deity would meet with Old Testament men of faith. Although I've felt my burdens get lighter in answer to prayer, I can't say that the place was illuminated with the glory of God.
Of course, this was probably the only time in history such an event took place on earth. Before it was over, Peter, James & John were on their faces before the Lord. They were overwhelmed at the things they had witnessed.
Moses and Elijah, representing the law and the prophets, made a return visit to earth for just a few moments and communed with the Lord. They discussed our Lord's suffering, which would occur soon at another hill, called Calvary. The Old Testament saints were saved by faith. They believed in the Lord. They personally trusted the Lord. As one preacher once said, “They went to heaven on a promissory note.” The blood of Christ was required for the Old Testament believers. The blood that Jesus shed on the cross was sufficient for the Old Testament saints. It was sufficient for those living in the New Testament. It is sufficient for us today. By the way, if the Old Testament saints only went to heaven through the blood, what makes men think today they can go to heaven another way?
I am thankful for the times of prayer that have turned into mountain-top experiences for myself. I am glad that I can come into the throne room when I pray. There I talk with the One who sits on the throne. It is a sacred event.
No, I've never had the kind of experience Jesus had there on the mountain. Yet one day I will. One day, I will see the glorified Son of God. Moses and Elijah will be there. It was a glorious day, made possible through the blood Jesus shed for Moses, Elijah, the Old Testament saints … and me.
Like Peter, James and John, I will fall on my face before the One who sits on the throne and give Him praise.
Until then, I will go to a place of prayer and commune with Him by faith. Sometimes these meetings turn into a little bit of heaven here on earth. They are just a foretaste of what's to come.
Heaven will be a spiritual Mount Zion. When I get there, it will be the greatest mountain-top experience of all!