Time stands still

HAVE YOU ever had an experience so powerful that it felt like time stood still?

Maybe it was an amazing first date with your future spouse. Or you felt something incredible when you held your newborn child for the first time. For Peter, James, and John it happened on the mountaintop.

Jesus took them up there and revealed his full glory to them. His face shone like the sun. His clothing became white as light. Moses and Elias appeared. They spoke with Jesus.

Looking upon the Lord at that time, the disciples must have felt like time stood still. Peter even wanted to set up camp right then and there.

Then from a bright cloud, a voice boomed, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Then it was just too much for them. The disciples fell on their faces, overwhelmed in fear and amazement (Matthew 17:1-9).

What might the Lord have to say to you that overwhelms you? Two things are for sure. He will speak to you of truth and of love.

It’s like holding a baby for the first time. This is your child. This baby is your responsibility. Your love for this child has no limits. Every profound truth must be intimately linked to love. And it’s overwhelming.

Some truths are hard to face. You were selfish or cruel. You were cold and distant. You didn’t stand up for what’s right. You were proud and vain. You chose to go against God.

Personally, I had to face all of these realities about myself at various times in my life. It makes you want to fall on your face when you finally confront the hard truths. 

Then, a miracle happens. With the perfect timing of God’s grace, you suddenly know he forgives it all — and it’s totally unexpected. Time stands still.

You might have heard about it before, but it’s like holding the baby — until it hits home, until it pierces your heart — it’s just a concept. But when the truth and the immense love of God grip you, it’s overwhelming. It’s impossible to come away unchanged.

You finally see Christ’s full brilliance before you. And your eyes have been transformed as well. You now see from the depths of your soul who Jesus really is.

He’s the one that saves you.

He’s the one that serves you.

He’s the one that gives you his mighty Spirit.

You might tremble in fear at such a powerful, intimate, universe creating love given all to you. But be not afraid. Because, like Jesus, you too are a beloved child of God. And the old hard truths become wonderful new realities.

You are forgiven. You can be good.

You are loved beyond all measure.

And, by the grace of God, your identity is indestructible.

Yes, it’s overwhelming. But eventually, it’s time to come down from the mountaintop. The clock starts to tick again. Tasks, chores, and challenges await.

But you’re not the same. How could you be after seeing what you saw on the mountaintop?

. . . . . . .

When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Matthew 17:6-8

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