"A Dazzling Revelation"

14 Mar 09
Saturday of the Second Week in Lent

A Dazzling Revelation
Mark 9:2-8

Mountains in the Old Testament are often associated with special spiritual encounters. The awesome display of God’s power that accompanied the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai comes to mind, as well as the fiery triumph of Yahweh on Mount Carmel when Elijah vanquished the prophets of Baal. These were unforgettable episodes from Israel’s history.

Peter, James and John had an unforgettable mountain top experience too. Right after Jesus had spoken of His impending sufferings and the cost of discipleship (Mk 8:31-32a, 34f), He led them up a mountain. There they saw Jesus transformed before their very eyes, bathed in a blinding brilliance and conversing with Moses and Elijah in a cloud reminiscent of Yahweh’s revelation on Sinai.

It was a terrifying yet reassuring vision. It was as if a veil had been lifted, and they caught a glimpse of the true identity of Christ. Their soon-to-be crucified master was in truth the glorious Lord attested to by Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets (i.e. the entire Hebrew Scriptures).

Despite not knowing what to say, Peter said something anyway! His offer to build three tents was just about as silly as trying to catch smoke with a fishing net. In what amounted to putting Jesus on par with Moses and Elijah, he seemed to have missed the point of the dazzling revelation completely.

Beyond the visionary encounter, we hear the Father’s voice affirming Jesus as His beloved Son and summoning us to listen to Him. He is the Word of the Father. Listen to Him. In Him we come face to face with the truth about God, about ourselves and about all of reality. Through Him we have forgiveness of sins and access to new and eternal life. We do well to listen to Him. Will we?

(Rev Dr Mark Chan,
Coordinator, Faith and Society,
Centre for the Study of Christianity in Asia,
And Lecturer in Theology,
Trinity Theological College,
Singapore.)

Commitment:
With God’s help, I seek to build my life upon the Word of the Father and to listen to the Son of God at all times.

Prayer:
Lord, fill my heart with the brilliance of your glorious presence, and may my ears be ever attentive to your voice. Amen.