M A T T H E W 17, V 1-13

The story of the Transfiguration.
This is one of the most dramatic stories in the Bible. It is called the Transfiguration story, because the clothes of Jesus changed and became so bright, glittering a dazzling white. It comes just after Jesus had been asking His Apostles who they thought He was, and received Peter’s great confession, and after He had told them He was on the way to the Cross to die and then be raised.
Jesus wanted to be on the mountain top, and took with Him on the journey three Apostles with whom He appeared to have a special relationship, namely Peter, James and John; these three Apostles were also with Jesus when He raised Jairus’ daughter, and in His agony in the garden. The mountain was thought to be Mount Hermon, one so high it could be seen from many miles away. The climb must have been strenuous, for Luke tells us they were feeling sleepy and tired.
Jesus was going up the mountain that He might receive God’s confirmation, that it was the intention for Him to go to the Cross. Jesus we find always was anxious to consult with God at His every step. Here is a lesson and good advice for us.
It may be asked, why it was necessary to go up a mountain to pray. If you have ever been to Scottish Highlands, and gone up the mountains to the top of the Cairngorms, you will realize how close you feel to God. You can there gaze down on scenery unsurpassed in any other country, and see one of God’s most glorious creations. You can feel close to God on a mountain top, away from the ordinary things of life.

Mountains figure conspicuously in the Bible. It was on Mount Sinai that Moses received the Commandments; Mount Horeb that God spoke to Elijah.
Jesus we are told was transfigured on this Mountain, meaning His appearance changed, and he met there those two great figures of the Bible, and in the history of Israel; Moses was the greatest law giver, and Elijah the supreme prophet, through whom God spoke. They discussed the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem, and advised Jesus to go on.
People are puzzled as to how God speaks to men, and they scoff at such talk. I believe a lot of what is claimed to be from God is self -manipulated, but I also believe God speaks to us.  He does in several ways, but mostly through preachers.   Many people were converted by one of the posters containing Scriptural messages placed on notice boards  Sometime God speaks through our conscience, or when we pray about something and an answer comes into our mind, not always perhaps the answer we want, although probably for your ultimate good. If you have something worrying you, ask God to help you, telling Him your problem, then wait for an answer.

When Peter realized what was happening, he offered to build three tabernacles for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. He was struck with awe, and wanted to prolong the experience, and offered to build three tabernacles. Jesus rebuked him, for he was in error in that he was equating Jesus with Moses and Elijah.
We all like to feel we are on top of the world, both figuratively and actually, but most of us live their lives more realistically on the level, or down in a valley.
This can happen at worship. When Billy Graham came to England, thousands went to hear him and came away on a spiritual mountain. They had heard the world’s greatest and most successful preacher, massed choirs singing glorious hymns; then the following Sunday went to Church and realized they had come down to earth with a shattering bump. Instances were quoted of Vicars mocking Billy and wanting their old staid services, some Bishops even wanted to stop him coming. Even now, Church leaders are anxious to change Scripture to meet cultural desires.
The lesson of the Transfiguration, is that we must always let God speak to us and follow His Word; He has a plan for all our lives. When we turn to Him, we too can reach a mountain top, but also we can close our minds to Him and lie in the valley.
This passage tells of Moses, who had died many years before, as did Elijah, yet there they are alive but in glory. This should indicate to us that when our last breath is breathed in this life, there is another to come, another world beyond the grave. We do not say goodbye and

Commit a beautiful body to dust in the ground, we say farewell

and have the assurance that we will meet again in the presence of Christ in heaven.  I  look forward with confidence in meeting my dear wife again.

We have in this transfiguration story the clearest evidence that the dead will rise again. In the two men if the Old Testament who had long been separate, and in them we have the pledge of resurrection. All who have lived and fallen asleep in Christ will be found in safe-keeping

The Humblest servant of God in our days shall live with God, the God the living.

There is much mysterious about the future, things we cannot understand, but let us be sure God has all planned, and Jesus is taking care of those who have gone to be with Him, as He will with us.
You may say you cannot believe this story, be careful you do not confuse the unimaginable with the unbelievable. This story is told by Matthew, Mark and Luke.  This story gives a vision of the glory, which Christ  has prepared for those who received Him as Savior.

 

Give thanks to God for His Holy Gospel, Praise he Lord Jesus Christ.