The plane from Amsterdam to Africa was crowded. As three passengers stood in the aisle, you could tell they were hikers. Awkwardly, they stuffed heavy backpacks into already overloaded bins. Excitement seemed to emanate from them. Their conversation was animated as they laughed and focused on their climb up the fourth highest mountain in the world.
As the plane flew over the Alps, they strained their necks to catch a view of the majestic mountains. Clouds enveloped the tops of their summits. Soon they would stand at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, straining their necks at another cloud covering that summit. Weary after the long hours spent in the air, they found it hard to sleep as their dream soon would become a reality. They were ready - prepared in body, mind, and spirit. What was next? Putting their lives into the hands of a qualified guide to take them on the climb of their lives.
In today's reading we find Peter, James, and John at the foot of a mountain. It may have been Mount Hermon or Mount Tabor. When referring to a mountain in the Bible, there is an association often related to the closeness of God and a readiness to hear his words. It is recorded in the Old Testament that God appeared and spoke to Moses and later to Elijah on mountains. In the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke we find Jesus inviting his three closest followers to come with him up the mountain to pray. What an honor to be singled out for that experience. As prepared as these disciples were after spending time with Jesus, they had no idea what awaited them. This mountaintop experience would be the climb of their lives. It definitely would change their lives.
Have you ever experienced a life-changing moment? I'm sure you have. It may have been being able to ride your first two-wheeled bicycle. After the trusted training wheels were removed, you shakily mounted. You were probably not alone. A trusted someone was at your side, hands on yours as you tightly gripped the handle bars. Confidence increased knowing someone was there to keep your balance or catch you if you fell. As the bike gained momentum, he let go. You were on your own. The destination was in sight - your house was just a block away. Anticipation built as you continued to solo.
Looking back you realize your achievement didn't come in one day or even two. I bet your journey had its ups and downs. There might have been humiliating moments like falling off the bike in front of friends. Or leaping from the toppling bike onto the grass. Mom wouldn't appreciate the grass stain on your jeans. What about those skinned knees? Out came that stinging orange stuff and Band-Aids. Ouch! That part really hurt! But you kept at it. You could hear your partner's words along side of you, "I'm right here. We'll keep trying. It'll happen." His confidence built up yours. "Ready! Set! Go!" he called and you were off again. This time, when he let go, you were ready and set, and bicycling down the sidewalk on your own.
"That's it! You're doing it. Just keep your eyes on the goal," a shout from behind came. Then your helper surprised you by running ahead. You saw him there - grin on his face. "You did it! You did it!" What a rush! Victory over fear! Victory over past failures! Victory! Yes, there was victory.
That's what it's like in our relationship with Jesus, the one we can trust to be at our side, the one whose hand holds yours, the one who takes away your fear, the one who sets you free to solo, the one watching over you. He promises, "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).
Peter and his friends had a life-changing experience on that mountain, you might say it was an "Aha! moment." Oh, those "Aha! moments" - times that impacted your lives. "Aha! moments" like passing a swimming test and not drowning, jumping over track hurdles and not knocking any down, or challenging the first chair saxophone and winning! "Yes! You did it! You made it to the top of your climb!"
At his fortieth class reunion, Jim told of his journey up that African mountain. "My friends and I were as prepared as we could be, but it was the experienced guide who made it possible for us to reach our goal." Jim had climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. He had braved the elements, accepted the challenges, and rejoiced in the foot-by-foot trek over the rocky ground. He'd been encouraged by his friends and his guide. Yes! He did it! Because he had successfully hiked the path others had taken and had identified with every aspect that they had endured, he was ready to encourage others to climb their mountains.
Our gospel lesson tells us that while Jesus was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Then Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. What a glorious moment! A moment the disciples did not want to end. Peter blurted out, "Master, it's wonderful for us to be here! Let's make three shelters as memorials - one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" (Luke 9:33 NLT). As he was speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and terror gripped them. Then from out of that cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him! When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone" (Luke 9:35-36b NLT).
Peter, James, and John heard God clearly state that Jesus was his Son and that they were to listen to him and not to their own ideas or desires. The same applies to us as we follow Jesus, our guide on life's path. As Isaiah the prophet reminds us, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it' " (Isaiah 30:21 NIV). We listen and step out with confidence for - "Jesus is the way; listen to him."
When the glory of that mountaintop experience disappeared; when the cloud went away and the conversation with heaven was over, Jesus was alone with his disciples. Jesus, their teacher and friend, was really the Son of God. What a confidence builder! If you believe Jesus is God's Son, if you have confidence and trust in that belief, then surely you will listen and obey.
On top of that mountain, three disciples experienced God's presence. When they came down, their spiritual vision had drastically changed, improved, and helped them to arrive at their destination. Jesus knew his destination - Jerusalem and a cross. He had to follow the path of suffering and what seemed like defeat in the eyes of others. It was only by obedience and the knowledge that God was at his side that he could accomplish the plan of salvation. "Not my will, Father, but yours be done." God's will, giving up his life, but only by dying could he give us life here and for eternity.
As the hikers looked out from Mount Kilimanjaro, they knew they had experienced the most memorable time of their lives. They remained silent, basking in the accomplishment, letting it all sink in. They understood that when they came down, their story would not sound as exciting to others. They had not personally experienced the thrill of victory.
When Peter, James, and John came down from the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell others what they had seen. It would be hard for they had seen and experienced God's kingdom and its mysteries. It really was an "Aha! moment."
It is time for each of us to embark on our own personal journey with Jesus as our guide. Are you ready? Are you spiritually fit and equipped? Are you willing to listen and obey the voice of God? Then ready, set, go! And don't be surprised when God sends you out to share the good news with everyone in our homes, our communities, our nation, and yes, even the nations of the world. Do not fear for he will be with you. Who knows? You might even get to climb to the top of a mighty mountain. And when you return from your own Kilimanjaro - your personal mountaintop experiences with the Lord - you will want to tell others that they, too, can experience victory in Jesus!
So, let's go and climb a mountain today! The Lord is with us. Amen.