[Throwback] Guided Scripture Meditation On The Transfiguration: Try To Not Focus On Peter’s Awkwardness

Photo by Evan Jeung on Unsplash

(This Scripture was originally posted in August. The author of Herod’s Herald was not smart enough to figure out how to do a “from the archives” post)

For today’s Scriptural meditation, we will engage our imaginations to accompany Jesus to the top of Mount Tabor where His Heavenly glory will be revealed.

Imagine you are Peter, quite literally following in the footsteps of Jesus. What’s it like to be so close to Him? Do you understand that this is not only your Friend and Mentor, but the God and Savior of the world? Or are you distracted by small discomforts: like how your feet hurt having walked so far. Are you focused on His voice or concentrating on not being awkward, like that time you tried to rebuke Jesus and He called you Satan.

Imagine the steepness of the Mountain, and reflect on the fact that sometimes the journeys that Jesus calls you on are not easy, but He has a plan and is with you every step of the way. And if you stumble or fall, He will come back for you — sort of like that one time you — or Peter— tried to show your faith by walking on water, but then wussed out and got soaked.

If your stomach is in knots thinking about how cold the water was and the snickers of the other Apostles, I invite you to acknowledge your complete cringe, pray that you won’t embarrass yourself again, and gently let your feelings of shame and inadequacy be taken away.

Now, you are praying in the very presence of Jesus, James on your left, John on your right… wait, maybe you should have them next to each other. They’re brothers after all and you wouldn’t want to get in their way.

Take a deep breath… let it out… and reimagine the scene.

You’re praying next to Jesus, James and John both on your right. Ignore the fact that you are kneeling just a bit too close to James. Oh gosh, do you think he noticed that your elbow just brushed his?

As you look to Jesus, His face, which before was like any other man’s and bore no comeliness that you should look upon Him, now changes and His clothes become dazzling white.

Next to Him are two heroes, Moses and Elijah. How do they perceive the Lord? What a privilege you have; for they longed to see the very day you are now part of, and to hear Him speak who is now your Teacher. Do you appreciate His words?

Though they talk like old friends, it is clear that they do not regard Jesus as if they were equal to Him. Even these two great prophets are overjoyed and awestruck next to Him who shines like the Sun.

You hope nothing distracts them. What if they get cold? Or what if they go back to Heaven because they don’t have anyplace to stay?

You’ve gotta make yourself useful. What to do, what to do?

You got it! And so you speak:

“Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

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Oh no. They’re all looking at you now.

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You silently berate yourself, “Tents? TENTS??? I’ll show you tense! How stupid are you?

“It’s okay. It’s fine. Maybe if I just apologize for interrupting, I can—“

A cloud comes over you. Like the Israelites of old, you are terrified.

“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”

Great. Just got scolded by God. Nice going Peter.

Oh the cloud is clearing up, and… Moses and Elijah are gone…

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