Our reading for today is Mark 9:1-15.
One moment, they’re on the mountaintop, witnessing Jesus in blazing glory, conversing with Moses and Elijah. The air is thin, holy, electric with God’s presence. Peter wants to build tents and stay forever. Who wouldn’t?
But Jesus leads them down. Down from the clouds into the chaos. Down from the divine dialogue into earthly discord. At the mountain’s base, a desperate father waits with his tormented son. The remaining disciples stand helpless, their faith insufficient for the task.
Sound familiar? Sunday’s worship service fills your heart with heaven’s song, but Monday’s meetings drain your soul. A powerful prayer retreat lifts your spirit, and then you return home to sick children and unpaid bills. The mountain was real. The valley is also.
Here’s what the disciples learned that day: God doesn’t give us mountaintop moments to make us comfortable; He gives them to prepare us for valley work. The glory we glimpse above equips us for the battles below. The transfigured Christ who blazes with heaven’s light is the same Christ who heals broken hearts.
Don’t despise the valley, friend. That’s where people hurt. That’s where faith gets tested and muscles grow stronger. That’s where transfigured lives make the biggest difference.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.