Pastor Chuck Ryan
A Mountain Top Experience
(A God Moment)
Mark 9:1-8
Thesis: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
- “After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone…” (vs2a)
- Jesus reveals that our God desires to meet with us on a personal level.
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8)
‘For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
- “There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.” (Vs2b-3)
- Jesus allowed Peter, James, and John to experience the Glory of God.
- Every Christian should cherish the special encounters they may have with God.
- They are often referred to as “God Moments” or “Mountain Top Experiences” of “Spiritual Breakthroughs”!
- They often come during times of worship, while praying or while reading his Word.
- The three disciples witnessed the restoring of Jesus’ glory that he had with the Father.
- John describes Jesus’ post-resurrected/glorified state. (Read Revelations 1:9-19)
III. “And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.” (vs4)
- Moses and Elijah were used by God mightily in the Old Testament regarding Salvation history.
- Moses had been transfigured at Mount Sinai while receiving the Ten Commandments. (Read Exodus 34:29-35)
- Elijah had been transfigured in the “Chariot of Fire” experience when he went to be with God. (Read II Kings 2 11-12)
- ‘Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."(vs5)
- The Disciples experienced “A God Moment”!
- There is nothing like an overwhelming “God Moment”
Peter declared, “It is good for us to be here.”
- You often do not want to leave.
Peter declared, “Let us put up three shelters…”
- That is why the Word of God invites you to seek God!
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8)
- The disciples were “frightened”. (Read Daniel 10: 1-12)
- Then a cloud appeared and overshadowed them. A voice came out of the cloud and said, "This is my Son, whom I love. Keep on listening to him!"(vs7)
- The Disciples witnessed “God the Father” giving a personal confirmation to “God the Son”.
- God is faithful and will give us spiritual confirmation as we sincerely seek Him.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)