About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.

One day, I got a horrible call that a close friend had lost his brother in a shooting incident near an entertainment venue. He was an innocent victim, caught in the crossfire. I jumped into instinct mode and organized all my affairs and took off in my car to be with my friend and his family in this very tough time. I asked God to help me to focus solely on caring for them in the week I would be there. Then I called and told them I was coming. It was a hard week, but my friend really appreciated me being there. I didn’t really give much advice, I just helped out.

When I think about Jesus’ initial actions here, a few things stand out to me: 1) he went to pray, 2) he took his three closest disciples to him, and 3) he went up a mountain, getting away from the day-to-day grind.

Do I prioritize prayer with God enough to plan a prayer retreat with him? When I am about to enter a phase of life that will be really challenging, do I plan to spend extra time with God in preparation?

Now back to the comparison to my story … Here is what I envision happening: Jesus heard that his people on earth were going to perish and he went to God the Father and the Holy Spirit and said, “What can I do to help them in their suffering?” The huddle of the Trinity produced this seemingly dynamic and crazy plan and Jesus agreed without hesitation — he would become human, live a normal human life whilst being God, humble himself unto death on a cross, though innocent, and be risen again to gain the victory over sin and death, providing a way for his people to become free from their sinful lives. It was instinctive for him to help. The difference between my story and his is significant though: I helped a close friend who appreciated me. Many others might do the same. Jesus, in contrast, traveled into our world to help people who did not welcome him and he died for and paid the price for the sins of those people who were trying to kill him. He was under a lot of stress and pressure on this earth. He had volunteered to go on the rescue mission of the ages.

And so, when he knew it was important, he planned this prayer retreat with his three closest disciples. And in his faithfulness, God revealed his glory and radiance on the mountain. In fact, he was God and so he became the radiance of God. Only a sinless human could do this. And he was sinless. God gave a good gift to Jesus, his Son: God provided a couple of friends from long ago for Jesus – Elijah and Moses. (Could it be they are sitting at his right and left hand right now as he reigns?) They were sent to encourage him and uplift him on the path that lay before him to the cross.

I think one important application today is to run to God and spend chunk time with him praying when preparing for an important mission. He will revive us and send people to encourage us as we join him in his work. When we are “all in” and 100% committed to God’s plan in our life, and we go to him in times of need — he shows up in BIG WAYS!

Lord, thank you for being SO VERY FAITHFUL! I don’t know all of the steps you have planned for me in the future, but I trust you with my future. And I will not stop knocking on your door, praising your name, and seeking your help in the ups and downs of the day. I want to be immersed in your goodness and love today! Shower it upon me that I might be a vessel that overflows with you.