Tag: transfiguration

A window into Heaven

Posted in Uncategorized - January 23, 2025 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for January 23: Matthew 17

“And after six days Jesus took with Him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him. 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.” 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.” Matthew 17:1-5

Sinful man cannot know the things of God unless by grace God reveals them. Therefore Jesus was always revealing His Father to His disciples. This revelation would challenge their world view and open up new understanding of heaven, the Father, and Jesus Christ as Lord. This account of the transfiguration involved the inner circle of the disciples: Peter, James and John. They were allowed to see Jesus in a transformed and glorified body, meeting with His Father in a cloud of glory. They also saw the glorified spirits of Moses and Elijah and recognized them. They were also ‘alive’ and able to speak. They heard the Voice of God confirming His Son. This occurred on a high mountain in Israel and resulted in them falling on their faces in worship and fear.

What can we gain from reading this account? First, there is a realm of heaven beyond our natural sight that is real. In this realm, God rules in clouds of glory. God, Himself, speaks and confirms His Son as beloved and also glorified. He commands us to “Listen to Him!” We have confirmed that servants of God are also still living and recognized by name. As Jesus calmed His disciples fear, we can now await His glorious return and our glorified bodies.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for confirming Your Son Jesus Christ! We heed Your command to ‘Listen to Him!” We await our own transfiguration at His return and Your confirmation of us as faithful servants. May others see Your image and glory in our obedience today. Amen.

Jesus, Moses, Elijah!

Posted in Uncategorized - April 1, 2013 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for April 1st: Luke 9:28-50

After Peter and the disciples acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ of God, Jesus told them that there were some who would not taste death until they saw the kingdom of God come.  (Luke 9:27)  Luke told the story of Jesus taking Peter, James, and John with Him up on a mountain to pray.  As Jesus was praying, Moses and Elijah appeared there as well.  These men all glowed with a glorious splendor that was like nothing on earth.  (Luke 9:29-31)

Peter, James and John apparently were sleeping during this process.  When they awoke from their “prayer nap”, they saw Jesus and the two men in their glorified state.  As Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter spoke up, “Master, it is good for us to be here.  Let us put up three shelters–one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Luke 9:33)  The Scripture notes that Peter did not know what he was saying.  At this point, a cloud came over them and a voice came from the cloud saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him.” (Luke 9:35)  After this, they were so puzzled that they kept this event to themselves and told no one about it.

As I ponder this amazing event, several things come to mind.  First, I note how like the disciples I am when it comes to prayer.  They had trouble staying awake and comprehending spiritual things.  These three disciples in the inner circle failed to stay awake here and at the Garden of Gethsemane.  My flesh is weak too, even when my spirit is willing and I often need reminding to watch and pray and stay awake.

Jesus met with Moses and Elijah to discuss His  own departure.  Moses was buried by God after being allowed to view the Promised Land. (Exodus 34:5-6)  Elijah was taken to heaven by a whirlwind in a chariot.  (2nd Kings 2:11-12)  God had these two men of faith come and encourage Jesus, His Son, before His death in Jerusalem.  Moses represented the Law and it’s failure to take man into the Promised Land and Elijah represented the faithfulness of God to honor His prophets.  Both these men were now in Glory and for the sake of Jesus’ followers, were allowed to be seen.  The Father, Himself, spoke confirming His Son!  How God shows mercy to us who are weak!

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“This is My Son, Whom I Love!”

Posted in Uncategorized - January 25, 2013 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for January 25th: Matthew 17, Psalm 18:7-19, Proverbs 4:20-23

Six days after the confession of Peter that Jesus was the Christ, Son of the living God, Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a high mountain.  He then was transfigured before them and His face began to shine like the sun.  Moses and Elijah appeared there as well and talked to Jesus.  Peter was overcome and told Jesus that he would build three shelters for them.  While Peter was still speaking, a cloud enveloped them all and a voice spoke from the cloud,”This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.  Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5)

God the Father spoke a word of confirmation that caused the disciples to fall face down on the ground in terror!  This whole experience was like being involved in heaven’s business and they did not know how to react.  Jesus touched them and calmed their fears.  (Matthew 17:6-8)  As they looked up, Jesus was there alone.   They must have wondered if they were seeing things!

Jesus was and is indeed the Son of God.  As He stood on the mountain to meet with Moses and Elijah, God allowed the disciples to see the glory surrounding His Son and to see two famous figures from Israel’s history alive in glory as well.  Moses represented the law and old covenant and was one of the greatest men of the Old Testament.  Elijah was a famous prophet and miracle worker who called the nation of Israel to choose whom they would serve.  Moses died and God buried him but Elijah was taken to heaven by a whirlwind.  (Deuteronomy 34:5-6) (2nd Kings 2:11-12)  But the Father’s voice spoke confirming that this was Jesus Christ, His Son.  We can confidently believe His witness and listen to Him!  He is greater than Moses and greater than Elijah!

Peter quotes the Father’s statement in 2nd Peter 1:16-18 in writing his final letter to the believers of his day.  “We were eyewitnesses of His majesty.  For He received honor and glory from the God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory saying, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” Peter’s confession of Christ was so certain that he died a martyr’s death rather than deny Jesus!  Are you listening to Him?

“This is My Son, whom I Love”

Posted in Uncategorized - January 25, 2011 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for January 25th: Matthew 17, Psalm 18:7-19, Proverbs 4:20-23

Six days after the confession of Peter that Jesus was the Christ, Son of the living God, Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a high mountain.  He then was transfigured before them and His face began to shine like the sun.  Moses and Elijah appeared there as well and talked to Jesus.  Peter was overcome and told Jesus that he would build three shelters for them.  While Peter was still speaking, a cloud enveloped them all and a voice spoke from the cloud, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.  Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5)

God the Father spoke a word of instruction and blessing to the disciples that caused them to fall face down on the ground in terror!  This whole experience was like being involved in heaven’s business and they did not know how to react.  Jesus went and touched them, telling them to get up and not be afraid.  (Matthew 17:6-8)  As they looked up, Jesus was there alone and they must have wondered if they were seeing things.

Jesus is indeed the Son of God.  As He stood on the mountain to meet with Moses and Elijah, God allowed the disciples to see the glory surrounding His Son and to see two famous figures from Israel’s history alive in glory as well.  Moses represents the law and old covenant and was one of the greatest men of the Old Testament.  Elijah was a famous prophet and miracle worker who called the nation of Israel to choose whom they would serve.  Moses died and God buried him but Elijah was taken to heaven by a whirlwind.  (Deuteronomy 34:5-6) (2nd Kings 2:11-12)  But the Father’s voice spoke confirming that this was Jesus Christ, His Son.  We must believe the witness and listen to Him!  He is greater than Moses and greater than Elijah!

Peter quotes the Father’s statement in 2nd Peter 1:16-18 in writing his final letter to the believers of his day.  “We were eyewitnesses of His majesty.  For He received honor and glory from the God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory saying, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” This event confirms again that Jesus was and is the Son of God!  Are you listening to Him?