Tuesday (August 6): "Jesus was transfigured
before them"
Scripture: Luke 9:28-36 (alternate
reading:
Matthew
14:22-33)
28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and
John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying,
the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling
white. 30 And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Eli'jah, 31 who
appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish
at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with
sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood
with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus,
"Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for
you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah" -- not knowing what he
said. 34 As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they
were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud,
saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" 36 And when the voice
had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one
in those days anything of what they had seen.
Meditation: Are you prepared to see God's glory? God is eager
to share his glory with us! We get a glimpse of this when some of the disciples
see Jesus transfigured in glory on a
high
mountain. [In the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican churches,
this event is celebrated as a major feast on August 6.] Jesus often went
to a lonely place to pray – to seek solitude and sanctuary away from the
crowds. But on this occasion, the Gospel of Mark tells us that
Jesus
was transfigured ..and his garments became glistening, intensely white
(Mark 9:2,3).
When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai
the skin of his face shone
because he had been talking with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says
that
the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness
(2 Corinthians 3:7). In the Gospel account Jesus appeared in glory with
Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the
prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles – Peter, James,
and John.
What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to
the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem – his betrayal,
rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision
to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with
Jesus and gave his approval:
This is my beloved Son; listen to him.
The Father glorified his son because he obeyed. The cloud which overshadowed
Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah
came the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus
16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8).
The Lord Jesus not only wants us to see his glory – he wants to share
this glory with us. And Jesus shows us the way to the Father's glory: follow
me – obey my words – take the path I have chosen for you and you will receive
the blessings of my Father's kingdom – your name will be written in heaven.
Jesus succeeded in his mission because he went to Calvary so that Paradise
would be restored to us once again. He embraced the cross to obtain the
crown of glory that awaits each one of us, if we will follow in his footsteps.
Origen, the great 3rd century bible scholar, shows us how the transfiguration
can change our lives: “When he is transfigured, his face also shines as
the sun that he may be manifested to the children of light who have put
off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, and are no longer
the children of darkness or night but have become the sons of day, and
walk honestly as in the day. Being manifest, he will shine unto them not
simply as the sun, but as demonstrated to be the sun of righteousness.”
Luke’s gospel tells us that while Jesus was transfigured, Peter, James,
and John were asleep (Luke 9:32)! Upon awakening they discovered Jesus
in glory along with Moses and Elijah. How much do we miss of God's glory
and action because we are asleep spiritually? There are many things
which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and
the "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing
our doubts and questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering
the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ. Prejudice can make
us blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can be
a block until we can see past it to the glory of God. Are you spiritually
awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of
Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses of his
glory.
We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,
are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another;
for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The Lord wants to reveal his glory to us, his beloved disciples. Do you
seek his presence with faith and reverence?
“Lord Jesus, keep me always alert and awake to you, to your word, your
action, and your daily presence in my life. Let me see your glory.”
(c) 2013 Don
Schwager
