Monday, March 7  -  

In Exodus 24 Moses’ mountain-top experience was much different than when the disciples went up with Jesus as recorded in Matthew 17. God had an express purpose in calling Moses to the mountain (the Ten Commandments). Jesus may have had such a purpose with the disciples also, but it was not recorded in Matthew’s gospel. God summoned Moses to the mountain. Jesus took the disciples with him. Either way, what happened on their respective mountains needed to stay there as appearances weren’t exactly what they appeared to be. Many of us have had mountain-top experiences in our respective faith journeys. Sometimes it’s appropriate to share those. Other times it’s better to just listen to others’ stories and quietly compare notes in our own minds.

Tuesday, March 8  -  

The paraphrase of Psalm 99 reminded us that people, for centuries, have thought that the habitation of God was high on the nearest mountain. With our 21st century sophistication we might think that sounds funny. However, think about your image of God and where God resides. It is undoubtedly different than that of your spouse, your friend, or your neighbor. Often times we are reticent to even share our theory. It’s our way of thinking in our minds, “what happens on [our individual] mountains in our minds, stays there. What are you willing to share about your mountain-top experiences; and when are you willing to share them?

Wednesday, March 9  -  

In Peter’s second epistle he writes about the mountain-top experience he had before Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. At this writing it was then appropriate for Peter to share what Jesus had ask him to hold that day as they were on the way down the mountain. Peter’s description of what had taken place was still extremely passionate, even after so much time had elapsed. Think today about some spiritual highs you may have experienced throughout your lifetime. Can you speak as passionately about those experiences now as when they happened? Or, are you possibly even MORE passionate now than right after the fact?

Thursday, March 10  -  

In reading the Gospel account, it’s no wonder Jesus advised the disciples to tell no one of the experience. Peter had gotten pretty caught up in the moment. He said the first thing that came to his mind, “Lord it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here,…” Think back to a time when you experienced a spiritual high in your life. At that moment, you may have wanted to take up residence there and then. But, Jesus was astute enough to give the disciples the advice they needed to hear. Jesus knew the people at the foot of the mountain were not ready yet, but would be after the time of his resurrection.

Friday, March 11  -  

The disciples were indeed on Holy Ground when they were with Jesus on that mountain. In that moment they heard the voice of God give the best advice that only God could give about Jesus, “ This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” What a great sentiment! God introduced Jesus (adding credence to what Jesus had been saying about who he was), gave his standing in God’s sight, and shared the most important words that anyone could hear, “LISTEN TO HIM!” They did; we need to and now you know why “what happens on the mountain…!”