Mark 9:2-13

Be Still: Lord, quiet the noise within me that I may hear your voice. Amen

Read: Mark 9:2-13

Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: 'This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!' (v7)

Encounter: Have you ever experienced déjà vu? That disorienting sense that you’ve been here before – even though you haven’t. It’s the strangest sensation. I felt it as I was reading this passage.

The transfiguration stands apart in Jesus’ earthly ministry for two reasons. Firstly, his divinity - usually veiled by his humanity - breaks through flesh and bone and is revealed to his closest disciples. Pretty cool.

Secondly, Moses and Elijah - towering figures in Israel’s history - appear and speak with the glorified Jesus. Very cool.

Overwhelmed, Peter suggests setting up camp and making a more permanent residence. Perhaps a foolish idea which is ignored and overshadowed when the sky splits open, and a voice from heaven declares over Jesus: 'This is my Son, whom I love.' 

And that’s where the déjà vu hits. While this scene is completely unprecedented, it’s not the first time we’ve heard these words from heaven. At Jesus’ baptism, the same declaration was made.

Tradition tells us that Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River, near where it meets the Dead Sea - the lowest point on the surface of the earth. The transfiguration, on the other hand, takes place on Mount Tabor, the highest point in Israel. From the lowest of lows to the highest of highs, heaven’s declaration over Jesus remained unchanged. Heaven claimed him as God’s Son and proclaimed the Father’s love over him.

What is true of Christ, he promises is true of us who put our faith in him. Whether we are in the valley or on the mountaintop, heaven’s voice speaks over us: 'You are my beloved child.'

Apply: Take a few moments now, amidst the busyness of the day – with all that you have to do or have already done – and remember this: If you are in Christ, your truest identity is child of God. And you are deeply, unshakably loved by your heavenly Father.

Devote: Holy Spirit, remind me who I am in Jesus whether at my lowest or highest point. Lord, you are here.