April 2, 2012 Transfigured

Transfigured

Mark 9:2-3 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.

HAVE YOU thought about “transfigured”? It means “to transform one’s appearance revealing great beauty and magnificence.” That’s what happened to Jesus that day. He became extraordinarily beautiful. Dazzling light and brightness overwhelmed the disciples. Peter, James and John saw a glimpse of Jesus’ heavenly existence.
I wonder why Jesus gave to them that special view of his glory on his way to the cross?
It seems to be a wasted effort. In the coming days, John and James would seek their own kingdom glory, requesting to sit at Jesus’ left and right hand in his reign. Peter would continue to push back against Jesus’ commitment to the cross. And, of course, there are Peter’s infamous denials of Jesus at his trial. Did it do any good for these men to see the power of the kingdom of God before their very eyes?
I really don’t know. Perhaps after Peter saw the resurrected Christ and after Peter related this account to Mark, he was able to be steadier in his witness. Perhaps John could write with more certainty the visions of Revelation. James died a martyr in the early church. Maybe he faced death with more certainty.
I don’t know how this glorious display of the power of the kingdom of God affected these three. I do pray that you pay attention to Jesus’ glory in your life—his saving death and resurrection, his love, and all the glory he offers to you, especially the glory of his salvation.

Pause and consider joyfully the glory of the Lord Jesus is for you.