Matt.17:5,6 – While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified.
Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by the glory of the Lord? That’s what happened to Peter, James, and John on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured. Transfigured means to be changed into something totally different. It means to morph from one type to another. Jesus took on His glory while praying on the mountain. One moment they saw the son of man, Jesus of Nazareth. The next moment they were in the very presence of the Son of God. The disciples saw the light emanating from Jesus, the cloud of glory engulfed them, Moses and Elijah were standing right there, and next the Father spoke from heaven. Of course they were overwhelmed and found themselves not able to stand. God was there and they were undone. Here is how Jerome describes this scene.
“For three possible reasons they were petrified with fear: either because they knew they had sinned or because the bright cloud covered them or because they had heard the voice of God the Father speaking. Human weakness is not strong enough to bear the sight of such great glory but trembles with its whole heart and body and falls to earth.… “And Jesus came up and touched them.” Because they were lying down and could not rise, he mercifully came up and touched them so that through his touch he might put to flight their fear and strengthen their weakened limbs. “And he said to them, ‘Rise, and don’t be afraid.’ ” Those whom he had healed with his hand, he heals with his command, “Have no fear.” First fear is expelled so that afterwards doctrine may be imparted.”
Sometimes we become so familiar with spiritual talk and with church that we lose the sense of His majesty and greatness. That’s where the Holy Spirit comes in. When the Holy Spirit moves upon us it is like a reality check. Suddenly the greatness of God becomes personal. We perceive His power, His kindness, His wisdom, and His sovereignty and it brings us to the floor. These kinds of encounters can’t be planned but as Jonathan Edwards said, “put yourself in the place of (spiritual) allurement”. In the atmosphere where the Spirit is moving is when you too can be overcome by glory.
