An Elite Group

The thought came to me of a singular experience in the Bible, that of the transfiguration on the mount.

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves. (Mark 9:2-8)

A great honor for those selected, but perhaps it is time to wonder why. When we are a part of a select group, we might well be champions of the selection process and the status it infers. However, once get left out and we may well grab the protest placards and march with the mob shouting, "Elitist!" Is that the case here? May it be that those not invited to the mount were in fact not ready to see those things revealed that Peter, James, and John saw? Imagine the shame that Andrew or Nathanael would have borne for a hasty exit from a holy place when fear overcame their better sense. What if Thomas had gone up to quell his questions but fainted at the sound of God's voice? These are speculations of course, but we gain the chance to refuse the earthly mob and give unto our friend Jesus the benefit of expecting goodness, mercy, and love in His choosing of only the three disciples. In place of an implied criticism of our Lord, we trust Him with the great qualities we know He demonstrated at all times.

Praise our Lord Jesus for His love on this day!

Bucky