A ship was in a serious storm and in grave distress. The passengers were alarmed. One of them finally, against orders, went up to the deck and made his way to the pilot house. The pilot was at the wheel, but, seeing the man was greatly frightened; he gave him a reassuring smile. Returning to the other passengers the man said. "I have seen the face of the pilot….he smiled...All is well." One reason for this event recorded in Luke 9, described as the Transfiguration, is given in Luke 9:27, the verse preceding Luke’s record of the event: "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." This "Son of Man coming in His kingdom" was shown to "some"—Peter, James, and John--when they saw Jesus and heard God say, “This is my Son whom I have chosen. Listen to him”. The presence of God's voice in a cloud resembled the way God spoke to the Israelites in the wilderness in the Old Testament. In Matthew’s description of this event, (Matthew 17:6-7), just as the Israelites responded in fear then, so Peter, James, and John bowed in fearful worship as they heard the voice of God telling them to listen to His Son. Not only did they see the light of God’s glory on Jesus, they also saw Moses and Elijah speaking with Jesus…that this Jesus was fulfilling the law Moses delivered and bringing to pass the promise of the prophets of the Old Testament…they were at this moment seeing the real Jesus. Moses, seeing these three together, his excitement and personality, exclaims to Jesus that they will build three temples to Jesus, Moses and Elijah…but in the middle of his statement, God interrupts him and speaks out loud…”This is my Son whom I have chosen. Listen to him”. As Jesus would later say, "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58). This event highlights the deity of Jesus. When we see Jesus for who He really is, everything else begins to fade away and we are able to rest in His peace and the security of knowing that Jesus is Lord of all…our salvation, our lasting peace and our true identity…Jesus is the Son of God! INVITATION TO RESPOND: As Peter, James and John experienced, when did you begin to see Jesus as the Son of God in your life? Feel free to post your response. Luke 9:28-36 New International Version The Transfiguration 28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) 34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
1 Comment
Pastor Sharon
3/15/2017 03:02:32 pm
Great devotional heavy d. I actually cant remember when i began to sense or see God's presence, but i am constantly reminded that God goes with me. I am really thankful to know that God hears my prayers, as simple as it sounds its a very profound thing not to be taken for granted.
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AuthorThe Pastors of Cornerstone Wesleyan Church Archives
July 2017
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