28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Eli'jah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah" -- not knowing what he said. 34 As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
Meditation: God wants to share his glory with us! We get
a glimpse of this when the disciples see Jesus transfigured in glory on
the mountain. Luke's account tells us that Jesus' face changed in
appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. When Moses met with
God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking
with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says that the Israelites could
not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2 Cor. 3:7). In
this incident Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of
Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the presence
of three of his beloved apostles. What is the significance of this mysterious
appearance? Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well what awaited him
in Jerusalem -- his betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely
discussed this momentous decision to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah.
God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave his approval: This is
my beloved Son; listen to him. The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and
his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came
the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus 16:10,
19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8).
While this transpired Peter, James, and John were asleep! Upon
awakening they discovered the transfiguration of Jesus along with Moses
and Elijah. How much do we miss of God's glory and action because
we are asleep spiritually? There are many things which can keep our
minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and the "unexamined
life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing our doubts and
questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering the
challenging or disturbing demands of Christ. Prejudice can make us
blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can
be a block until we can see past it to the glory of God. Are you
spiritually awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of
the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses
of his glory. We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the
Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another;
for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18). The Lord
wants to reveal his glory to us, his beloved disciples. Do you seek his
presence with faith and reverence?
"Lord, keep me always alert and awake to you, to your word, your action,
and your daily presence in my life. Let me see your glory."