Mark 9:1-7
Then he drove it home by saying, “This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Some of you who are standing here are going to see it happen, see the kingdom of God arrive in full force.”
Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them. Elijah, along with Moses, came into view, in deep conversation with Jesus.
Peter interrupted, “Rabbi, this is a great moment! Let’s build three memorials—one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah.” He blurted this out without thinking, stunned as they all were by what they were seeing.
Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever heard someone talk of an encounter with another person in which they described a turning point experience? Perhaps they said something like, “In that moment, I saw him for who he really was,” or “For the first time, I fully understood where she was coming from.” More than one of us has said something like, “I thought I knew So-and-So until THIS happened.” Sometimes, our entire perception of someone else can change in a matter of minutes.
Peter, James and John had a unique and profound experience with Jesus. God allowed them to see Him as much more than a “mere mortal.” He revealed the full glory of Jesus to them, and as described, Jesus all but glowed in brilliant white clothing. The trio was engulfed in a light-radiant cloud as they heard the voice of God himself. To say that this was a moment of transformation - a turning point for these three men - would be an understatement! And God’s statement…“This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to Him”… is powerful!
Sadly, many of us fail to recognize the full glory of Jesus. He never becomes more than a “man among men” to us. We talk about who Jesus was/is… how important He is to us. But we don’t fully get it. While we most likely will never have such a literal “aha moment” as Peter, James and John, our relationship with Jesus can be transformed in an intense and no-less-life-changing manner. When we fully grasp what it means to be marked by God’s love… when we begin to truly comprehend the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifices on our behalf and what it means to serve Him, we can’t help but be forever changed.
I like the image of Jesus in His glory… the awesomeness of the blinding light and the whiter than bleached clothing. It humbles me to think about Someone of this magnitude caring about the most mundane parts of my life. When I consider Jesus as “the Kingdom of God in full force,” I am wowed, astounded, and transformed! We talk about serving a mighty God, but we don’t truly picture Him this way – at least not often enough!
I encourage you to stop for a few minutes and consider Jesus in all of His glory. Re-read this passage and imagine every facet of His appearance… the blinding bright light… the whiteness of his garments… the glow that radiates from Him, and the cloud of radiant light that encompasses you as you stand before Him. Humble yourself in Jesus’ presence… picture Him embracing you in His arms. See Jesus for who He truly is… and revere Him for loving you so deeply.
I dare you to do all of this and not feel just a tad overwhelmed! Jesus’ love for us truly is astounding. We would do well to take a few minutes to bask in His glory… to give Him praise and thanks for accepting us in our unworthiness… and to marvel at His magnificence. Have you truly seen Jesus in His brilliance? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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