"The Tents"
February 19, 2010
TEXT: Mark 9:5-6 - Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters-one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
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What an exciting, overwhelming time! For Peter, James and John, the journey could have ended right here. They had seen everything they needed to see. They had seen the great heroes of the faith. They were in the presence of Jesus who was shining in His glory as the mighty Son of God! Journey done! They had come to the top of the mountain. There was no need for them to journey on.
Not knowing what else to say, Peter suggests they build three shelters. He might have meant three monuments, one for each of them. Or he might have meant three tents like the "Tent of Meeting" (Exodus 27:21a) that traveled with the children of Israel as God led them through the wilderness, and from which God regularly communicated with His people. Or he might have meant three "booths," like those the Israelites lived in during the Feast of Tabernacles in Leviticus 23.
What we do know is that Jesus did not have this in mind. It would take a little while for the disciples to understand this Transfiguration was not about them and not primarily for them. It was for Jesus. It was for Jesus as He was about to begin the journey from this Mount of Transfiguration to Mount Calvary. It was for Jesus who would make the journey for you and for me.
It was good for them to be there. We sing a great Transfiguration hymn (LSB #414, " 'Tis Good Lord to Be Here") that carries the same sentiment. Our preference would be to stay on the mountaintop. But this mountaintop experience is not the end of their journey-or ours. It is only the beginning. Jesus' journey will take Him to Mount Calvary. Our journey in Jesus will take us all the way into eternity!
THE PRAYER: Our Lenten journey is just beginning, Lord. Sustain us in this journey. Blessings to all as we reflect on Jesus' journey-and our own. Amen.
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