High atop the ridge of Peters Mountain in West Virginia a lonely outpost is perched on a rocky outcrop. Visitors to Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory are treated to a view which stretches miles in every direction over the rippling Allegheny ridges. In this relatively secluded place, encountering a taste of the scale and splendor of God’s creation, it is easy to feel a sense of connection and closeness with the creator. A mountaintop experience. Like adrenaline junkies it is an experience that we ache for day-to-day but, seemingly by definition, can only encounter on special occasions when we are removed from the everyday.
In Matthew 17:1-9, three of Jesus’ disciples have the ultimate mountaintop experience. On a lonely mountain, before the eyes of Peter, James, and John, Jesus is momentarily changed into his glorified state and Moses and Elijah are speaking with Him. Peter, trying to prolong this unbelievable sight, begins making plans for an extended stay. But his view is interrupted by a cloud from which the voice of God speaks.
Such an amazing experience but so brief, so fleeting. Surely James, John, and Peter looked back on that moment for the rest of their lives with awe. It is a moment of connection and closeness that every reverent soul longs for and seeks after. But it is not as far off or fleeting as we perceive it to be. God also longs for us to draw close to Him (James 4:8). And from the mount of transfiguration, we are given something that gives us the closeness we seek permanently. “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” We have experiences in this life that cause us to feel close to God, they change us but the feelings of closeness can be fleeting and difficult to hold. God gives us what we need and tells us how to draw close to him, in all we do we must listen to His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.