Called By Name Devotion: It is Good that We are Here

By Katie Anderson

And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is well that we are here;
if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli′jah.”
~Matthew 17:4

Lord, it is good that we are here. My heart has echoed this countlessly: the last day of school, singing with my sister, encountering Jesus anew. Have you caught glimpses of these Heaven moments, perhaps surrounded by loved ones? During a retreat with faith renewed? These times of gladness might be likened to the Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor. Jesus invites us to climb the high mountain with Him. He astonishes us by piercing our everyday mundane with His glory.

At first, we delight in the scenery and abundance. Our comfort slowly transforms when we offer that same suggestion as Peter. “Jesus! Maybe we should just stay a while longer. We have everything we need on the mountain, right? No need to go back down there into the messiness of real-life…” Love and mercy were in the cloud, which covered the mountain; God still uses these holy shadows. When the coffee grows cold, and the guests leave, are we still grateful for what has been given? The disciples saw Jesus; the wondrous glories from heaven drifted from present reality to mere memory. With the gentlest touch, Jesus reminds the disciples (and us) that his humanity equally matches his divinity. He shows us His solidarity with all of humankind, which frees us from continually needing the wonders of Mountaintop Moments. While the Transfiguration was a beautiful time for the disciples, our hope lies in the knowledge that Jesus descended from the mountain with them.

Are you wearied by the hills and valleys of this life? Are your Mountaintop Moments vague memories? Be not afraid. The same Jesus who met you there has led you down the mountain and walks with you. Spiritual altitude aside, you can rest in the knowledge that His continual presence is transfiguring us every day.