Sometimes God gives us glimpses of Heaven to remind us that we are just travelers here.
Last Sunday, our pastor talked about the Transfiguration of Jesus. It’s found in three out of the four Gospels. Luke tells us that Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John, his besties, up to a mountain top to pray.
I always find it interesting that Jesus seemed to seek out beautiful spots in nature to pray. I’ve always felt like mountains have a spiritual presence. I find that I too, feel closest to God in the beautiful places that nature provides. Jesus had them once again, hiking somewhere and when they got to the top, Peter, James and John, had to rest. They even fell asleep.
This too, is a reminder that when we decide to walk with Jesus, the path sometimes gets bumpy and downright exhausting, but we are called to rest as well. I imagine they had become used to walking with Jesus at this point and they may have realized that they had to grab some rest whenever they had the opportunity.
Life with Jesus then, just as now, was never boring.
When they became fully awake, Jesus was praying and had changed into something glorious. “His face changed and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.” Luke 9:29
Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus. This is the point where my pastor said that this must be what Heaven is like. He said he often gets questions about whether or not we will recognize our loved ones in Heaven when we arrive. Peter, James and John had never met Elijah and Moses. They had been dead for centuries and they certainly didn’t have any photos of them; yet they knew who they were. I find that comforting.
So upon seeing a glimpse of Heaven, what did Peter suggest?
“Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Luke 9:33
Peter didn’t want to leave that mountain top, ever. He had glimpsed Heaven and he thought they should just stay right where they were, indefinitely.
Who hasn’t been there?
We all have had glimpses of Heaven. It may have been a mountain vista, or a perfect sunrise, or a beach, or holding our child for the first time, or saying “I do,” to our spouse. There have even been people who have had near death experiences that describe a brilliant light, that they are drawn to, but are pulled back because it’s not their time.
I think God gives His people these glimpses, these gifts, from time to time to let us know that there is something better and brilliant that awaits us in eternity. I think He reminds us sometimes that we are travelers here, but while Heaven awaits us eventually, we have work to do now.
We would all love to just stay in those glimpse of Heaven moments, but that’s not what Christians are called to do. Jesus had the cross awaiting him and Peter, James and John would not only be witnesses, but would be there for the resurrection too. They would also go on to be instrumental in the birth of the Church as we know it.
None of that could have been accomplished on that mountain top.
The Bible reminds us to treasure those glimpses of Heaven. They are special and sometimes miraculous. They are a gift. But, we are also reminded that until we get to Heaven, we are called to work hard and share the love of Christ with as many people as we can.
What will you do today?
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂