Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Mark 9:2-4

I remember first hearing this story when I was in the primary department in Sunday school 60 years ago. My teacher Mrs. Batchelor vividly painted the picture of the transfigured Christ with the help of a flannel board. Later, I heard many a preacher focus on Peter’s hairbrained idea to build three tabernacles for Jesus, Elijah, and Moses.

Funny how you can still get something new out of something so familiar.

First, the fact that Elijah and Moses are present with Jesus talking amongst themselves is exciting to me. Elijah was a man whose nature was like mine (James 5:17), and Moses was the meekest man to walk the earth (Numbers 12:3), and they’re alive and friends of God and each other. This tells me a lot about my future. Someday I’ll be exchanging truths with the greats and Jesus. I may need to get on the waiting list for this, but it could happen.

Also note that Peter, James, and John recognized who Elijah and Moses were. There are no names tags in heaven.

We also understand that the jobs of Elijah and Moses may not be finished. Both may return as the “two witnesses” in Revelation 11.

Finally, I can’t resist making the point that the “launderer” in heaven can get out even the most indelible sin stain, and certainty those caused by the shedding of blood! He who has “glory in his bosom transfigures you and me!”