Overwhelmed

1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Matthew 17:1-8

Jesus’ disciples must have felt overwhelmed. Look over there—Jesus, shining like the sun! Moses and Elijah standing beside him! God’s voice booming from the bright cloud! No wonder they fell face down. Their senses couldn’t take it. It was too much.

Newcomers to America often feel overwhelmed for similar reasons. Getting lost in a new city. The sound of a new language. New people, new customs, new culture! Sights and sounds and textures, all unfamiliar—even the smells are different! All these things cause fear and anxiety. Where can they find peace?

They can find it in the same place the disciples did—in the same place we do, as believers. When we are overwhelmed, who can help us? Only Jesus. He can come to us and touch us and say, “Rise, and have no fear.” Why? Because he is God close up—God in human flesh, God who loved us enough to come into our lives and make himself our strong, safe anchor. Through his suffering and death, he rescued us from the power of evil; and through his resurrection, he guarantees that everyone who trusts in him will live forever, safe in God’s family.

Jesus is our peace and safety. Let’s lift up our eyes to see him—Jesus only. And let’s help others to find help in him as well.

Lord, you are our help when we are overwhelmed. Use us to bring many more people to trust in you, their true peace and safety. Amen. 

By Dr. Kari Vo