The older I get the more hopeful I find in passages like the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, and Luke 9:28-36). I find it interesting that the only Gospel writer who was actually present at the event did not include it in his gospel account. This clues me in to the truth that it was not an incident that he took lightly, and that sometimes writing about spiritual incidents like this can seem impossible. It is full of meaty theological meanings. This incident can be discussed and thought about from many angles such as, why Moses and Elijah? They seem to represent the Law and the Prophets, and they discussed Jesus’ departure from Jerusalem (didn’t they miss something like the crucifixion and resurrection before that?). I can discuss those kinds of questions, too. What I look forward to most from this account is the shining face and dazzling white clothes.
I do like clothes, but that is not why this part appeals most to me. Jesus’ revealing Himself like this gives me hope of my own transfiguration that is coming soon. I won’t live in this earthly body forever. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:51-53:
“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.”
When I am reunited with Jesus, I will get an imperishable body. Each year I am becoming more and more aware of my need for this kind of change. The happenings at the Transfiguration give me hope of my new life in Christ when He can restore me to the glory He wants me to share with Him. I won’t feel so tired and run-down, and my knees won’t crack when I do a squat. Hey, I’m not done with this body yet; and as far as I know I’ve got a lot more years and miles to put on this old thing, but it’s nice to know I have something amazing and dazzling to look forward to.
Aches and pains are not forever. They will be replaced by glory.
I don’t have a mountain nearby, but I can go and pray and talk to God about my departure. Whether it is when Jesus returns or by some kind of death, it is important that I remember that this life here is not all there is. I want to be passionate about my departure and the coming glory. I want to be prepared. My earthly body is a good reminder that this life is not all there is. I can’t use this thing forever. Though it lasts longer than a car, it too will wind down eventually. In a way, I could look on my downward spiral as a sign that my own transfiguration is getting closer. The increasing gray hairs and the wrinkles on my face are like markers that I am getting closer to glory.
How often do you look forward to your departure, either through death or when the trumpet sounds in the clouds? Jesus thought about His and even talked to Moses and Elijah about it. God was pleased and spoke out loud His pleasure in Jesus.
Okay, sore muscles let’s go on our day, and thanks for reminding me that my departure will bring me to glory and change that will be simply dazzling.
