SCRIPTURE TEXT: “But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said “This is My dearly loved Son, who brings Me great joy. Listen to Him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground” -Matthew 17: 5-6
Christ upon the mountain peak stands alone in glory blazing; let us, if we dare to speak, with the saints and angels praise Him. Alleluia!
Trembling at His feet we saw Moses and Elijah speaking. All the prophets and the Law shout through them their joyful greeting. Alleluia!
Swift the cloud of glory came. God proclaiming in its thunder Jesus as His Son by name! Nations cry aloud in wonder! Alleluia!
Wren wrote this text at Mansfield College, Oxford, England, in 1962. Published in the ‘British Supplement’ 100 Hymns for Today(1959), “Christ, Upon the Mountain Peak” was the second hymn text that Wren wrote.
The text is based on the gospel story of Christ’s transfiguration from Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36. Powerfully poetic, the text not only captures something of the awe in the event–we share in the awe as we sing “Alleluia”-but also presents cosmic picture: the saints, angels, prophets, all nations, and the whole creation bring praise to the true Son of God! In the style of the transfiguration celebration in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the entire focus is on Christ, the Alpha and Omega.
Adoring the Lord is more than just loving Him. It is being captivated with who He is. Adoration is looking beyond what the Lord has done for us and gazing into His face. When we do this, life’s problems are seen from Heaven’s perspective.
Adoration is a heart response; a recognition that He is all we ever need. When we meditate on how great He is, we become transformed into His likeness as we are face to face in adoration of Him.
Prayer point: Pray for the peace of the world.
STAY BLESSEDSOURCE: INSPIRING STORIES BEHIND OUR BEST-LOVED HYMNS
