“As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 11 And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 12 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13 But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.” Mark 9.9-13
As they were coming down the mountain, for each of us, there is a time to come down from the mountain spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. The mountains in life are great, but they cannot sustain us. Even the disciples, who heard the voice of God and saw Jesus in all his radiance, had to come down the mountain. That mountaintop experience does not last. However, the memories of those experiences can help bless and sustain our lives.
The difference between the disciples and us is that they were walking down the mountain with Jesus in the flesh. We walk with him by faith, spiritually, but imagine walking side by side with the Messiah. And as they walked, they were perplexed about what “rising from the dead meant.”
While on the mountain, Jesus mentions his suffering and death. Even on the mountaintops of life, there can be disappointments. Then Jesus talks about Elijah and how he who came before him paved the way for the Messiah. Elijah, like the other prophets, points to the Messiah and to God’s steadfast love for his people.
In my own life, I have had many mountaintop experiences. It is often where I meet with the Lord. And yet, when I come down to the valley, God is also with me. As I’ve walked with the Lord for nearly 40 years, I have found that he is faithful no matter where I find myself spiritually or physically. God’s love is present regardless of the condition of my soul. He is the one who is faithful time and time again.
Last month, we had our Revive Winter Mission, which I’ve spoken about before. During that time, we met with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. I tell people that it was a top 10 moment in my life spiritually. And although that weekend came and went, and I don’t “feel” the same as I did then, God is still with me. The memories of meeting with Christ at First Methodist Church Irving in a sanctuary filled with youth will never go away. He interrupted our sermon, our plans, and our worship set for that night. It was a beautiful moment of peace as his Presence washed over the room.
God is with us even now. He is with you where you sit. He is near and not far. Will you draw near to him? Will you recognize him for who he is? Will you allow the Lord to reign over you and to fill you with his power and love?
“Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your goodness. Help me find my strength in you. Even when my love fails, your love remains steadfast. Come now, fall upon your people on the mountains and in the valleys. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen”