"And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. (7) And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. (8) And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only."
It is not to be wondered at that the disciples should be thus affected. God is awful, even in mercies. See how Israel was struck with fear on Mount Sinai. Exodus 20:18-21. But see, Reader, the tenderness of Jesus. He came and touched them, Precious Redeemer! how hast thou, by the assumption of our nature, opened a way of communicating mercies to us, and lessening our fears. And Reader! I pray you to remark, that the very first words Jesus spake to his disciples after God the Father had commanded them to hear him, was, be not afraid. And doth it not follow, from hence, that such is the love of God our Father to the Church; in Christ, and knowing that all love is in the heart of Christ towards his people, thus he commands concerning him. And God the Son, having taking our nature for the express purpose, manifests that his whole heart towards them is love. And God the Holy Ghost, from his everlasting love also to Christ, and his Church in him, takes care to make the whole effectual, in directing the heart of the redeemed into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Jesus Christ! Oh! for grace, under those blessed assurances, to possess such faith in Jesus, as may raise our souls above all fears, while conscious of an union with Christ, and acceptance in Christ. The sudden departure of Moses and Elias may serve to teach us, that none but Jesus can be our abiding comfort. everything here below is short and transitory. Oh! What a blessed thought it is. Jesus hath said, Lo! I am with you always. Matthew 28:20.