Sun 6 Sep

Perhaps one of the more challenging events in all of Scripture is what we know as the transfiguration of Jesus. It is an event where Jesus is changed before the eyes of the three disciples He had taken with him. “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.”

Two Old Testament people appeared – Moses and Elijah. Moses having spent time on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments came down and it is recorded for us that his face shone. Elijah was taken to the sky in a chariot of fire. Presumably he did not die in the normal way that we would taste death.

Even though we could write about the ones on the mountain – the three followers and two Old Testament prophets, we are still left wondering why this event takes place? The three are talking and Luke’s gospel tells us they were talking about Jesus’ departure which we know will involve His suffering, His death, and His resurrection. It is as though there is a meeting of three old friends as they discuss the glory that is to come. If there was a time when Jesus’ humanity is in need of encouragement, it is as He heads toward suffering and the cross and takes the sins of the world on His shoulders. That time has arrived.

When you face a difficult time what encourages you to keep going. Think about the times you have faced difficulties, what spurred you on? Keep looking to Christ!