Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Mark 9:5-6 NRSV
“I don’t know if I am coming or going.” I’m unsure if you have ever said these words, but it’s a common phrase for folks trying to hold it all together. Trying to keep both ends of the candle burning. Trying to make sense of something that is beyond understanding.
Sort of like Peter’s “let’s make three dwellings” response to Jesus when Elijah and Moses showed up on that high mountain. Peter started out strong with, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here,” but the next set of words was, well, random. Fortunately, Mark confirms that Peter “did not know what to say.”
Clearly.
It’s not easy to know what to say when life throws a curveball, or when life gets overwhelming, or when life goes sideways. When Jesus was transfigured, when his clothes dazzled, and when Elijah and Moses dropped by, it’s not a stretch for me to believe Peter didn’t know what to say. So he just blurted out something to fill the airspace. Been there, done that. Even when I knew it would have been better for me to stop (thinking), shut (my mouth), and roll with the silence.
Mark tells us Peter speaks up while James and John are there, and they are terrified, or as the Greek meaning further explains – they were frightened out of their wits. If this isn’t enough to absorb, a voice from a cloud that has covered them says, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”
At the end of this scene of transfiguration, with dazzling clothes and two Old Testament giants, but only Jesus remains with Peter, James, and John.
But only Jesus.
Whether you’re coming or going, but only Jesus. Whether you’re at the beginning or end of the candle, but only Jesus. Whether you’re high on top of the mountain or way down deep in the valley, but only Jesus.
As you continue reading the great information below in this month’s newsletter, please consider the invitation to serve as a volunteer at the General Conference in Charlotte. Plenty of folks will be coming and going throughout their time in Charlotte, and what a great way to share the love of Jesus with folks from across the connection.
Thanks for reading, thanks for being UMC, and thanks for living out your baptismal vows!
Blessings,
David
** photo credits, David Blackman, Fayetteville Train Station – January 2024