A CHRISTMAS TRANSFIGURATION!

Friday, December 21, 2018

A CHRISTMAS TRANSFIGURATION!

Matt 17:1-3

17 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

           This same event is recorded by Matthew and Mark. I think it is curious that none of the three with Jesus wrote about this – as far as we know. Peter’s reason may simply be that he was so befuddled that he couldn’t adequately describe it. He lapsed into bewildered error wanting to stay on the mountain and build three tabernacles. It is easy to cut Peter some slack for this.

           The Greek word used by both Matthew and Mark is the word metamorphoo which basically means “to change.” The caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Jesus revealed His true nature to three fishermen. With Jesus was Moses and Elias or Elijah both dead yet alive. They too had changed.

           Why do I mention the transfiguration at Christmas time? Because our focus is on Jesus the baby. It is easy to forget His true nature. Like another popular Christmas figure, He sees you when you’re sleeping and He knows when – and WHY – you are awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good. None dare remain on His naughty list.

           Every now and then we need to be reminded that Jesus is God and that, for the believer, death is just a metamorphosis to another realm. As we crawl around in our caterpillar world don’t forget that we were designed for wings.

Dear Lord, thank you for a glimpse at your true nature. Thanks for reminding us that real change is possible. AMEN