Clouds, Touch, Alone

When I was a boy out on Route 2 south of Valdosta, GA. I might be at home alone when a storm would blow in. I can see it like it was yesterday, me standing on my front porch of that little run down house looking out into my front yard up at the 40 foot pecan trees swaying in the wind. The sky was dark, and there was inside me an ominous excitement about it all. Lightening would strike and thunder would roll, and the hair on my arms would stand up from the static electricity in the air. I often thought during those storms that Jesus must be coming. I let my imagination run wild. I expected to see Him split through the clouds at any minute and land in my front yard. What is it about weather or climatic changes or extraordinary experiences that seem to attend God? Jesus walks by on water during a storm causing the disciples to fear thinking He is a ghost. There goes that hair on the back of the neck. Or, standing at Mt. Sinai watching this mountain moaning under the unseen hand of God, striking fear into the hearts of men who want to run, not worship. Or, what of God coming to Elijah in the storm, fire and earthquake, but finally in a still small voice? Or, what of Jesus on Calvary coming under darkness from the 6th to the 9th hour?

So it is Peter, James and John's time. A bright cloud overshadows them. Did you see this? It is a "bright" cloud, not a dark one. It is meant to encourage not provoke fear. It is meant to convey hope. But in spite of this, these disciples are afraid. One minute they are ready to build a temporary hotel for Moses and Elijah, the next minute Moses and Elijah have disappeared, and there alone stands Jesus. Matthew tells us that Jesus comes to them, touches them, and says "Arise, and do not be afraid." With the cloud lifted, Jesus touches them. Let that sink in. What would you give to have Jesus touch you? What would it be like for Him to put His hand on your shoulder, to give you a high five, to lift your chin? The touch of the Master was what most men during that day longed for.

All three writers make the point, "Jesus Alone." With the cloud lifted and the words of God ringing in their ears, there was Jesus alone. The word is monos. It means unaccompanied. He had no escort. There was no second fiddle. He did not share the spotlight with anyone. He stood on the summit of Hermon, the highest point of Israel alone. Saul was head and shoulders above his subjects. Jesus was 10,000 feet above His. "Alone." No peer. No one who can share His place. "Alone." There is "no one else." "No other foundation." He must walk now down into the valley alone, by Himself, and up another hill called Golgotha, alone. Moses won't be there. Elijah won't be there. The disciples won't be there. But, not alone alone (John 8:16,29; 16:32).