July 10, 2017: Eyewitnesses of His Majesty
Today’s Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 23-25, Psalm 135, Luke 9:28-36, 1 Thessalonians 1 Luke 9:28-36: The transfiguration was one of the most extraordinary events yet to have occurred and prefigured and previewed the coming glory of Christ, at the cross, in the resurrection, and in his return in glory. Peter was influenced by this vision throughout his life (2 Peter 1:26), being “eyewitnesses of his majesty.” Note that Jesus has gone to pray. If Jesus prayed, so must we. Let us be diligent in prayer, rejoicing in prayer, seeking God in prayer. It is as he was praying that he was transfigured (9:29). We have a wonderful privilege of being able to draw near to God with confidence in prayer; let us make the most of that, and our lives will increasingly be changed from one degree of glory to another as we behold him with unveiled faces. Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus. Moses for the Old Testament law giver; Elijah for the great prophet who called God’s people back to following God. They speak of “his departure,” his death and resurrection. The focal point of all this is this moment to come: the cross. Peter, meaning well, opens his mouth and inserts foot (9:33. Still the idea of there being three tents, one for Moses, one for Elijah, and for one Jesus, still somehow misunderstands who Jesus really is. Jesus is not on equal terms with even Moses and Elijah. He is not merely another prophet, nor even the greatest of the prophets. He is a different order of glory altogether. So when the voice from heaven speaks, it clarifies: “This is my Son, listen to him!” Not listen to Moses, not listen to Elijah; listen to Jesus. All the Old Testament points to Jesus and is about Jesus. To emphasize the point, once the voice had spoken, Jesus is left alone. He is the One to whom we must all listen. What a lesson for us to take in again this morning. There are so many other voices, ideas, teachers, and prophets. Yet the one person who matters, the voice to which we must listen is that of Jesus. Would you this morning listen to Jesus? Take his Word, the Bible, as his word; listen to him. Ask him to speak to you. And follow him with renewed passion knowing through this Word you too are, by his Spirit, witnesses of his majesty as his Spirit is at work in your life. To receive God Centered Bible devotionals directly in your inbox, sign up here. ]]>