A Mountain For Mortals

After Apollo 15 mission to the moon, astronaut James Irwin wrote about his experience in space. He said that he was a witness to both the glory of God and and plight of man on earth when he experience the weightless body floating in space and seeing the rising crescent of the earth.

On the mount of Transfiguration, people from heaven joined people on earth to witness the glory of God in light of the plight of man. Moses and Elijah from heaven met with Peter, James and John and witnessed the declaration from heaven, “He is the beloved Son, Listen to Him!” to testify that 'law and prophets' have given way to 'grace and truth'. John later wrote, "We have seen His glory" (John 1:14) and Peter wrote, "We were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16-18). When Moses met God at Mount Sinai, he forbid people from going near (Exodus 19). Jesus came to take people to the Mount Zion where mortals meet the immortal (Hebrews 12). Moses and Elijah came down to the mountain top because of Jesus and not the other way around.

Our lives in this world are mixed with valleys and mountain tops. Mountains are there for mortals to climb on. Those who went up the mountain with Jesus were transforme at the sight of a Transfigured Jesus. There are times when you feel disappointed, dejected, depressed and feel too tired to climb. “Someone may be chastened on a bed of pain... he will see God’s face and shout with joy” (Job 33). Notice that Moses and Elijah had to leave just like all mortals will leave one day. Jesus will be the only one who will stay with you. You can trust Him in the valley and you can trust Him on the mountain top.

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Fulll sermon audio: Mathew Philip

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