Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

King of the Hill Read Mark 9:2-13 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Mark 9:3-4 Wouldn’t it be nice if we were always on top of the world? If we were all in a perpetual good mood with circumstances working out right, with people treating us wonderfully; getting the affirmation we need, the faithful love we desire, and the respect we believe is due to us. If that were indeed the case, life would truly be grand! But, alas, that is not quite so. In our text today, we see Jesus taking His inner circle of disciples to the mountain in order to prepare them for valley ministry. It is the account of the transfiguration of Christ, and it reveals to us several important lessons which can help us translate our mountaintop experiences into daily life. Moses and Elijah were two of the greatest figures in all of Israel’s history. They were mighty men of God. Moses had a most significant encounter with God on Mount Sinai; as had Elijah on Mount Horeb. They had both experienced God’s glory on the top of these two mountains. But in these two figures we see a symbol of the law and the prophets. They were talking with Jesus. Furthermore, the three disciples also saw the cloud of Shekinah glory appearing on that mountaintop. This was quite an experience for them. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah were gone. God had spoken. He had singled out His Son. And now all that filled their vision was Christ. So often we are guilty of being captivated by peripheral things. The displays of God’s power and glory themselves often lead us astray. The issue has been and always will be Jesus. He is the one to whom our allegiance is due. He is the one to whom we should listen. Are we guilty of looking at the peripheral things instead of looking at Jesus? We should concentrate on Jesus and not things. What is important to us is not only the outward displays of God’s power but Jesus Himself. Pray that we would look to Jesus instead of outward things and miracles.