I

remember well the summer of 1977 when my father prepared for heart

surgery. Medical tests were completed. Plans were made on how the

family farm would work during his absence and recovery. But another

type of preparation was also under way. I remember a person visiting

who had recovered from open-heart surgery. That person testified to

what the experience was like, and that encouraged my dad and our

family.

In

our Bible reading today, we see that Jesus receives some unusual

visitors in the dazzling brightness of heaven. We don’t know what

they talk about, but this visit with Moses, Elijah, and God the

Father is surely an encouragement to Jesus on his mission. Both Moses

and Elijah met with God on a mountain at different times many years

earlier, and they were encouraged in their work (see Exodus 33 and

1 Kings 19).

Peter,

James, and John are eyewitnesses to this meeting, and they are

frightened. They can even see

Moses and Elijah. Peter, not knowing what to say or do, suggests

building some shelters, but then God speaks to them urgently: “This

is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

Jesus

has already told his disciples that he will be killed and then rise

again (Mark 8:31). And God is urging them to prepare for this change

that is coming for Jesus—and ultimately for them and us. The life,

death, and resurrection of Jesus change everything. Are we listening

too?