DAILY READINGS IN LIFE OF CHRIST - J.R. Miller (1890)
August 15
"And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him" Matthew 17:3
These two heavenly messengers were
conversing with Jesus; they were talking with Him about His death. Several thoughts are suggested by this. One is, that the death of Jesus was part of the divine plan. It was no disaster, no defeat. It was understood in Heaven — that He was to die on a cross.
Another thought is, that Moses and Elijah had been sent to talk with Jesus, as He was now about to turn His face toward Jerusalem, that they might strengthen Him for the sad journey and for the bitter sorrows at the end of it. Before Jesus went to the wilderness, there was a vision of glory, and a voice spoke, uttering the divine approval, to strengthen Him to endure His temptation. Now again, when He is setting out for His cross, there is a vision and a voice, to prepare Him for the darkness and the agony.
In these heavenly visits, we have a hint of the employment of the redeemed in Heaven. These two men are sent all the way to earth to comfort and cheer a weary spirit in its mission of suffering. May it not be, that all the saved shall thus be employed in glory? It is delightful to think that we shall be sent from world to world on errands of love. The idea that in Heaven we shall do nothing forever but rest on green banks and sing praises to God, receives no encouragement in the Scriptures. We are to be like Christ; and He is never idle — but ever busy in loving service. We shall be as the angels; and they are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to the heirs of salvation. "His servants shall serve him" is one description of the employments of Heaven. It will still be nobler there to minister — than to be ministered unto. They will still be chief there — who serve. Our poor work here — is only a training for work in Heaven and forever.
FOR FURTHER STUDY, SEE DEVOTION BELOW:
1. Transfiguration of Jesus Christ
THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST
What is the Significance of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ?
Bishop Jerry L. Ogles
(Mark 9:2-9)
The account of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ as recorded here in Mark (parallel passages are found in Matthew 17:1-3 and Luke 9:28-36) is a demonstration to three witnesses that Jesus Christ was who He claimed to be. In all three accounts of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, we are given the names of the three disciples who accompanied Jesus and who stood as human witnesses to the glory that was Christ's. There were also three heavenly witnesses -- Moses, Elijah, and the voice of God from heaven. Therefore, the Old Testament law of three witnesses required to attest to any fact (Deuteronomy 19:15) was satisfied both in earth and in heaven.
We have, in the account given in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, a glorious and faith confirming event that had a profound effect on the three Apostles who were privileged to witness it. These three were given a view to which none other than the host of heaven was privy – the glorious transfiguration of Christ into His Heavenly state of Holiness, Light, and Eternal Being in the Kingdom of God. The words of Jesus in (Mark 1) are particularly noteworthy to this event. - But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. Christ is providing them with the news that they will soon glimpse His Heavenly Glory and coming Kingdom of God. This was a preview of what they would see and know following the resurrection when all was finished!
When we wish to come near to God, we should go where we are assured of solitude. Mountains take us to a higher plane, and also provide assured privacy. As we come nearer to the peak of the mountain, there is only a small patch of terrain for our position. Additionally, when we are on the mountain, we are nearer to God because the world is far from us as we look down on the small features of the familiar world.
The word "transfigured" is a very interesting word. The Greek word is "metamorpho" and it means to transform, literally or figuratively to metamorphose, or to change. The word is a verb that means to change into another form. It also means to change the outside to match the inside. The prefix "meta" means to change and the "morphe" means form. In the case of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ it means to match the outside with the reality of the inside. To change the outward so that it matches the inward reality. Jesus' divine nature was "veiled" (Hebrews 10:20) in human form and the transfiguration was a glimpse of that glory. Therefore, the transfiguration of Jesus Christ displayed the Shekinah glory of God incarnate in the Son. The voice of God attesting to the truth of Jesus' Sonship was the second time God's voice was heard. The first time was at Jesus' baptism into His public ministry by John the Baptist. (Matthew 3:7; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22)
As Christ prayed, the Kingdom of God began to materialize before the eyes of the onlookers. Not only did the bodily features of Christ begin to change, but even His raiment became immaculately white and even resplendent in their bright beauty. Moses and Elias (Hellenic for Elijah), who appeared in glory but still as men, appeared by the side of Christ and discussed His coming death. One of these men had known physical death for God had shown him all the Promised Land from the heights of Mount Pisgah, and he died there. God Himself buried Moses. The other, Elijah, had not known physical death for he was translated in a Chariot of Fire. When the Kingdom comes in the fullness of time, some will still be living who know the Lord. They will likewise never see physical death, but others, like Moses (no less cherished by God) sleeps in the dust until that great moment comes.
The Apostles were amazed at the sight of the glorified Christ in the presence of Moses and Elijah. It is quite remarkable that, even though they were not told the identity of the two Prophets present, they nonetheless recognized them. When we are in Christ in the coming glory, many mysteries will likewise be known to us without the asking.
Poor Peter, being a speaker always before a thinker, remarked that they should build three tabernacles on the spot: one for Christ, and one each for the two prophets. In so doing, Peter was unwittingly placing the prophets on the same par with Christ. We should never consider any man, regardless his piety or devotion, on a level with God. We believe all things, not because some inspired man has spoken them, but because God has spoken in His Word.
"While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son: hear him."" I do believe the message could be any clearer or simple: "Let God be true and every man a liar" (Romans 3:4) Regardless what gifted minister may say, it is our duty to confirm all things heard or spoken with Holy Scripture. If God has not spoken it, a million words of a great man will not alter the truth one iota.
After the voice had spoken, the cloud lifted. That should always be true in the Christian's understanding – once God has addressed a matter, it is finally settled for good – no questions, not rationalization, no equivocation! And as the cloud lifted, in order to emphasize the point, Christ was found alone. It is to Christ alone that we owe our redemption and to Him alone that we must seek succor. "This is my Beloved Son: hear Him!" This was God's command to the Apostles, and it is God's command to us on this Day of Transfiguration, and every day! AMEN
The Son of God came to earth in the form of a man to be the true servant of God and to gift mankind with the greatest gift ever given, eternal life. The transfiguration of Jesus Christ was a visible sign in the presence of reliable witnesses of the reality of the power of God and the glory, which is Christ Jesus. (2nd Peter 1:13-19)
