What actions can we take when feeling overwhelmed by God's glory like disciples? Setting the Scene “ When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror.” — Matthew 17:6 On the mountain of Transfiguration, the disciples see Jesus shining like the sun, hear Moses and Elijah speaking with Him, and then tremble at the Father’s thunderous voice. Their reaction is perfectly human: overwhelmed, flattened, speechless. Scripture shows how Jesus immediately meets them where they are (vv. 7-8). From their experience we learn tangible steps for our own moments of holy overwhelm. Actions We Can Take When Overwhelmed by God’s Glory • Bow in reverent worship – Scripture’s instinctive response to God’s majesty is to fall low (Isaiah 6:5; Revelation 1:17). – Physical posture reminds the soul who is Lord and who is not. • Listen to Jesus above all other voices – The Father commands, “Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5). – Open His Word; let it speak before social media, newsfeeds, or even well-meaning friends (Psalm 119:130). • Receive the touch of Christ’s reassurance – “Jesus came over and touched them. ‘Get up,’ He said. ‘Do not be afraid.’ ” (Matthew 17:7). – His nearness dispels dread (Psalm 34:4), turning terror into trust. • Refocus on Jesus alone – “And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.” (Matthew 17:8). – Strip away competing glories, distractions, or spiritual celebrities; fix eyes on the Author and Perfecter (Hebrews 12:2). • Rise and obey the next clear instruction – They must descend the mountain and re-enter everyday ministry (Matthew 17:9-14). – Obedience in the ordinary proves worship on the mount was real (James 1:22-25). • Wait for God’s timing to share profound experiences – Jesus says, “Tell no one until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (Matthew 17:9). – Guard sacred moments until they serve others’ faith (Ecclesiastes 3:7). • Draw near to God with confidence through Christ – Overwhelm need not push us away; it can pull us into deeper fellowship (Hebrews 4:16). – In prayer, exchange anxiety for peace that “surpasses all understanding.” (Philippians 4:6-7) • Rest in the promise of future, fuller glory – The mountaintop was a preview (2 Peter 1:16-18). – “When He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2). Hope steadies trembling hearts. Putting It Into Practice 1. Kneel privately today and declare His greatness aloud. 2. Read Matthew 17:1-8 slowly, listening for a personal word or command. 3. Journal where fear grips you, then invite Jesus to “touch” that place with His truth. 4. Identify one distraction stealing focus from Christ; set it aside for a week. 5. Act on a simple step of obedience—call, forgive, serve—before the day ends. God’s glory may overwhelm, but in Christ it never destroys. It refines, realigns, and readies us to walk back into the valley with renewed awe and unshakable confidence. |
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