Matthew 17:5-8 AMPC
While he was still speaking, behold, a shining cloud [composed of light] overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is My Son, My Beloved, with Whom I am [and have always been] delighted. Listen to Him! [6] When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were seized with alarm and struck with fear. [7] But Jesus came and touched them and said, Get up, and do not be afraid. [8] And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
Reading this passage, it's easy to gloss over the fact that Peter, James and John were so frightened at the sound of God's voice, that they fell on their faces.
Until recently I had never experienced such a fear. This wasn't about the voice of God, but, I was startled by my nearest and dearest in the middle of the night, as I was coming out of the bathroom! He was so quiet and still, appearing out of the darkness of the bedroom - that he looked like a ghost.
There was nothing sacred about this fear, I know, but I was so shocked and startled, it literally knocked me off my feet, with my face to the ground.
Okay, yes, please feel free to have a giggle at my expense, as you picture the scene.
But what I felt then enabled me to empathise with the disciples as they were gripped with sheer terror at the inexplicable experience on the Mount of Transfiguration.
The earthly Jesus they knew began to take on His Heavenly appearance, with celestial garments, bright like the sun. Then, on top of that, Moses and Elijah came to talk with Him.
The "tin-lid" of it all was God's voice, telling them to L-I-S-T-E-N to Jesus because He is God's Beloved Son.
God, the Father, interrupts Peter's babblings, to make them concentrate on Jesus.
Have you noticed when we're fearful or challenged by circumstances, we come out with stupid ideas and comments?
What I love is that when the disciples were gripped with fear, Jesus comes and reassures them, putting them back on their feet.
When they looked up, they saw only Jesus.
Are you overwhelmed with life? Has fear put you "on your face"?
Listen to Jesus' words of comfort. Don't look down, change the direction of your gaze. Because when you "look UP", you'll see only Jesus.
It's easy to be frightened of events happening in our world today - viruses, threats of war, natural disasters - all coming thick and fast.
Jesus' words bring us such comfort:
Luke 21:28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
Selah.
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