https://youtu.be/rR9wrh7bB-k

MARK 9:2-13

Recreation of the Sinai experience of Moses for the disciples

Ex 19:3-5 Tells the experience of Moses with God on Mt SinaiThis was a transformational time for the Nation of Israel in that now, the people of Isarel would be able know exactly what God wanted them to do and how he wanted them to liveMoses goes up on the Mountain back and forth a few times, he experiences God and comes back and tells the Israelites how they should live- by the telling of the LawExodus 20 lays out the 10 commandments that God wants as the cornerstone of the law.4 things happened in this interaction: God became tangibly real to the Israelites, Direction and law was given to the Israelites, and Moses was then seen as the obvious leader of the nation of Israel, God was able to speak to his people through mosesExodus 20: 20-21 And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.”21 So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where GodThis “Sinai experience” was a redirect for all of Israel- from this point forward they knew who they were and where they were goingThis is happening right now for the disciples as well, up on a mountain, God speaking, Jesus being transfigured and glowingAll the same parts of Moses up on the mountainMoses is still revered in Judaism today See God, know he is real, see his glory

What it means to youAs much as this was a powerful experience for the disciples, the point of the experience wasn’t the experience- it was the direction that was givenPeter responds to this experience so carnally- just a while ago- he was declaring that Jesus was the Christ- but now he’s trying to built tents for them so they can have a tabernacle they can dwell in.Peter totally misses the point completely- You’re up on the mountain peter- but you’re not going to live up here- you got to go back down and do some workBut peter wants this hyper spiritual experience to continue- “I want to live on the mountain with these 3 gents”8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.Understand this- You cant live up on the mountain. As wonderful as it is up there, you can’t live thereI see it often- retreats, mission trips, church services, outreach.People want to live there- they want that to be their existence- they don’t want to have to deal with reality- This was an early problem in the church- they were so excited for Christs return- they didn’t want to do any work1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.Its safe on the mountain! You can just bask in the Glory of the Lord there- but that’s not where you’re supposed to live! There’s work to do!Matthew Henry- We are wrong, if we look for a heaven here upon earth.Its great to read your bible, to pray, to worship, but there’s work that the Lord needs you to do! You can’t live up on the mountain! Some experiences were meant to be temporary- See it many times- Guys who go to the retreats- they love it- They just don’t love coming back- Sure, full caloric food, no wives, and hanging out in the LordOur citizenship is in HEAVEN not here on earth!