David Bahn – Reflections

Photography is the art of capturing a moment in time. That is one of the unique characteristics of a still photograph as opposed to a movie. Movies take a person through time. A photograph freezes a moment in time. A photograph can help you relive the moment. But Peter wanted to do even more. He wanted to stay on the mountain.

Matthew 17:1-13

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ²And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. ³And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. ⁴And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” ⁵He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” ⁶When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. ⁷But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” ⁸And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

⁹ And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” ¹⁰And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” ¹¹He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. ¹²But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” ¹³ Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

I get it. I would want to stay on the mountaintop too. I would want to hold on to this incredible vision of the Kingdom of God that they were experiencing first hand (cf. Matthew 16:28). Peter wants to freeze this moment in time and enjoy it as long as he can. It’s the perfect day with perfect weather, a great sunrise, stunning sunset, fantastic company, spiritual insight, a bit of ego-boost, and the visible manifestation of Jesus’ glory all rolled into one event! Peter wanted to stay there and so would I.

The problem with Peter’s desire is twofold at least. Jesus has work to do. This is a stop on the way, and a preparation for his suffering, death, and resurrection. Jesus didn’t come to be a spiritual guru who is accessed by climbing this or any other mountain. He came to show us God’s kingdom in authority and power. That authority and power is not relegated to this mountain. God’s kingdom does not stay, it comes. Jesus was bringing God’s kingdom to earth, in the dusty streets of Jerusalem, the roads of Judea, the houses of Nazareth, Capernaum, Bethany, and wherever else he went.

When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, “Thy kingdom come.” We don’t pray, “Thy kingdom stay.” God’s kingdom is more dynamic and more far-reaching than a stop on the mountaintop or a momentary spiritual high. The next time God gives you a glimpse of his kingdom, resist the temptation to set up tents there. The glory of his being and the power of his mercy and love, compel us to move out with him. Only Jesus conveys these things. He has established his kingdom which is forever moving out into the world.