Only Jesus
Then a cloud appeared and covered them with its shadow and a voice came from the cloud, ‘This is my own dear Son – listen to him!’ They took a quick look around but did not see anyone else; only Jesus was with them.
As they came down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has risen from death’. (verses 7-9)
Read Mark 9:2-13
These few privileged disciples were given a religious experience we can only dream about. Jesus shone brightly. Some of the great leaders of the past appeared. God the Father spoke of his dear Son. What an experience! That is just the shot in the arm I need for my flagging faith – something real and visible to hang on to.
Then it was gone. ‘Only Jesus was with them.’
Certainly this was a unique experience. But need we be so envious? Jesus’ resurrection, which he spoke of beforehand and which so puzzled his followers, is now a fact that is part of our faith. We are assured by Jesus’ resurrection that he is still with his followers. ‘Only Jesus was with them.’ The same Jesus is still with us. He comes down with us from every mountain-top religious experience we may have and accompanies us across the boring plains and through the deep, shadowed valleys of life. Only a risen Lord can do that.
Risen Lord Jesus, assure me of your presence with me. Be especially with those who today are passing through valleys of shadow and darkness. Lighten their path in your love. Amen.
by Bob Turnbull, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)
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