Matthew 17:9-13
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He replied, “Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.
It’s on the journey back down the mountain that the revelation deepens. It’s easy to forget that. Most of the time, we dread the journey down. You know, Monday after a great weekend, or the first hours back home or at work after vacation is over, or the day after your birthday when the calendar reminds you that it’s 364 days to the next one. Coming down from a great experience can be hard.
Having just had – quite literally – a mountain top experience, the disciples may have dreaded the next hours or even days as they adjusted to their old routine. But notice that it’s on the way down the mountain that Jesus reinforces his revelation to them that he will not only suffer crucifixion but will be raised again. And it’s on the way down the mountain that they ask their question about the coming of Elijah. And it’s on the way down the mountain that Jesus leads them to recognize that John the Baptist played this role in Jesus’ life and ministry. And it’s on the way down the mountain that the pieces fall into place.
Mountain top experiences are great because they are inspiring, but it’s often on the way back down the mountain that we process, and lean more deeply into, the insights we may have gained. Mountain top experiences are great because they offer a break from the routine, but we live our lives back down in the valley. Mountain top experiences are great because we sometimes feel just a little closer to God there, but it’s while coming down the mountain that we may realize God is just as eager to meet us on our way back down…if, that is, we’re willing to look.
Prayer: Dear God, open our eyes to recognize that every moment of our lives has the potential to be sacred as you are available to us in all those ordinary moments. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This devotional is an inspiration to my life for such a time as this