Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah"—not knowing what he said. As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen. Luke 9:28–36 (RSV)
"And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen."
Even if they could have found the words to describe what they had seen and heard, who could believe it? It is like the great composer who crafted a majestic symphony, the pinnacle of his talent. On the night of its first performance, the composer conducted the orchestra, directing so artfully that the audience was astounded by what they heard. The applause went on and on, so great was their appreciation.
The audience departed the theatre. A man made his way to where the composer, praising the symphony and the composer. 'It was beautiful. Could you describe what you were saying through the music?' With a hint of a smile, the composer responded, 'My dear man, if I could have explained it, I never would have composed the symphony.'
Peter, James, and John had no words this side of the resurrection, to attempt to tell what they encountered on the mountain. The beauty and majesty of God are not for mortal eyes and ears. The glory of that nature can only begin to be described through faith that has encountered the Risen Lord.
We can grasp the depth of the Lord's divine beauty as we see Jesus' wounded hands, feet, and side. We, like Thomas, can confess, 'My Lord and my God!' It is in the Risen glory of Jesus; we can finally express the true wonder of the Kingdom.
How fortunate we are that He has given us the very heart of His will and purpose to share with the world. We need only confess and proclaim, 'Christ Is Risen! He Is Risen, Indeed!'