The Mountaintop Experience: Moments of Encounter with God

Mountaintop experiences are, throughout Scripture, privileged moments of revelation and intimate encounter with God. The transfiguration on the high mountain, the giving of the law at Sinai, Elijah at Mount Horeb: so many summits where God manifested Himself in dazzling ways to His servants. Matthew 17:1-2 describes one of these moments: "Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves; and he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun." These moments of glory are not granted for their own sake, but to strengthen faith and confirm one's calling. Romans 5:4 reminds us that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance a proven character. Thus God shapes the believer through these encounters, whether they come in the joy of the summit or in the trial of the valley. Yet the mountaintop experience carries a danger: the desire to remain there. Peter wished to put up tents on the mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:4), but Jesus led him back down to the valley where human distress awaited. Matthew 17:9 further shows that these revelations are to be kept in the heart, matured through reflection and thanksgiving. These verses teach that mountaintop encounters are not an end, but a preparation: God lifts us up for a moment in order to send us back stronger to serve, in the plain where the need is found.