December 20 - Mt. Tabor

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“Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.” Matthew 17:1-2 (NASB)

Around the fourth century, tradition recognized Mt. Tabor as the place of Jesus’ transfiguration. Some scholars question and argue that it was more likely Mt. Hermon, since it is the highest peak. But let’s not get distracted. Peter is glad to have witnessed this and immediately wants to build three dwelling places. Peter, like us, gets distracted from what just took place. Then they hear a voice say, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”

Jesus just had a mountaintop experience and these chosen three witnessed something spectacular. Something that will change them forever. We each have these mountaintop experiences in our life with Jesus as our guide. They might not seem so big or exciting as this, but they do happen every day of our life. We just need to keep our eyes and ears open to answer Jesus’ call.

The biggest mountaintop experience took place for us over two thousand years ago. Long before we were even born. When our Savior, Jesus Christ, came into this world as a tiny baby, born in a manger to bring Light into a world of darkness. He taught us how to love and have compassion. Even going to the cross for us so that we may have an everlasting relationship with God. Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the magi listen to the voice. The question is, will we listen to the voice and have a mountaintop experience?

Pastor Gary Scharrig
Immanuel Lutheran (LCMC) - Baileys Harbor




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