Matthew 17:1-13  "And six days later.. "  Six days after Jesus tells His disciples that some of them would "see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom"..  He takes Peter, James, and John "up to a high mountain by themselves."  

Something so unexpected.. and astounding.. and important happened on that mountain. Something that we can't begin to comprehend.  "And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun and His garments became as white as light."  Peter, James, and John saw a vision of  Christ in His glory.  They saw Elijah and Moses too. But, it is not until they hear the voice "out of the cloud" that "they fell on their faces and were afraid".  

It seems to me that Peter, in particular, becomes more confused than anything else by this experience.  You would think that this would have made him braver in the courtyard while Jesus was on trial.  He saw something that should have made him absolutely positive that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.  Peter wanted to build three tabernacles on that mountain top.  Perhaps he was thinking that this was the time for Jesus to start His reign. Perhaps he thought Moses and Elijah would stay around and help... 

Their questions about Elijah were confusing too.. Was Elijah coming?  Had he already come? Was he coming again? Was John the Baptist - "Elijah" ?  What did Jesus mean that He was "going to suffer at their hands"? What was the purpose of this transfiguration ? 

Peter later wrote, "For we did not follow cleverly devised takes when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, 'This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased.' and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain." (II Peter 1:16-18)   

Peter, James, and John had a foretaste of Christ in His Kingdom.  It was an experience that they would never forget.. that even in the light of the crucifixion.. they could remember that Jesus was coming again.  Even when they were confused about the sequence of events.. they could keep believing. 

There is a day when we will see Jesus.. just as those three did on the mountain top.  He will be glorious and majestic.  He will be everything and more than we can imagine.  More than ever.. I find myself wondering if that day might even be today?  

Father, we look up.. ready to see the clouds part.. ready to hear the trumpet sound.. ready to see our King coming to take us home.  May our hearts be yielded and filled by Your Holy Spirit.. our lives surrendered to Your will.. and our hands at work to lead others to the cross of Jesus.. so that all will be ready for that day.  Move in us and through us, Lord, to do Your will.. sharing the good news of the Kingdom wherever we go. Amen.