In today’s scripture we hear of two great events where God manifests himself to us.

In the first case (Daniel 7:9-14) we hear of Daniel’s magnificent heavenly vision with God atop his throne receiving Christ in glory. In the second case (Luke 9:28-36) we hear the familiar event of Jesus’ transfiguration where his divinity is made manifest to Peter, John, and James on the mountaintop.

Regarding the transfiguration event, I’ve always wondered about the verse where Peter insists on erecting three tents or monuments for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (Luke 9:33).   Traditional interpretation indicates that this was meant as a sign of homage and respect.

But another way to consider this might be that Peter is so taken by this glorious event that he does not want to let go of it.  Just like we can sometimes do when we encounter something that strikes awe in us, it can be hard to walk away, to release ourselves from the experience.  So maybe it was like this for Peter as he was just trying to hold onto the moment and continue the experience with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. This might be  especially true  since, just prior to the transfiguration event, Jesus had forewarned his disciples that the road ahead was going to be a difficult one – that the road ahead would lead to suffering and rejection, not just for Jesus but for his closest friends also. So maybe by holding onto this glorious moment Peter might have been trying to defer or avoid the not-so-glorious moments that were to come.

It’s also interesting that in both narratives we see God’s presence manifested in what could be seen as a fearful situation.  For Daniel, God’s manifestation is amidst a “surging stream of fire” (Daniel 7:10). For the three disciples, God’s voice was heard only after a “cloud cast a shadow over them and they became frightened” (Luke 9:34).

For me these events reinforce what Jesus has already told us – that before we can enter into our true glory – our ultimate destiny – we will need to go through some difficult, maybe even some terrifying moments in our life.  And maybe more importantly – when we do experience those difficult moments, when those clouds cast shadows on our lives, when we are subject to “terrifying darkness”, when those “streams of fire” almost shatter us – we should never doubt God’s presence.  For we can be assured that it is precisely in our darkest moments, amidst our fear and uncertainty,  that God is there for us, just like he was for Daniel, Peter, John, and James.

So we continue our journey, with trust in our faithful God, knowing that he is always there for us.  We continue our journey as we follow Jesus from that brief moment of “dazzling” glory – a sign of what’s ultimately in store for us – to the cross, a necessary stop before we approach God’s glorious throne in heaven.