Thursday, February 9, 2017
Mark 9:4 And he was transfigured before them.
GLORIOUS LIGHT
"It's good to be here, Lord." That's what Peter said, and so it is also for us, good to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Next month when we see Jesus suffer many things in our name, this glorious vision of our Lord on the mountain will help us remember that He is also truly God the Son from all eternity.
We notice that both Moses and Elijah were believers in Jesus, but Peter, James, and John were the only other ones there. And even they, after a brief moment of blinding glory, were alone again with Jesus, listening to His voice alone. Now they had nothing further to rely on than the other disciples: Jesus and His Words alone.
But Jesus alone had been enough for Moses and for Elijah--the prophets of old--and Jesus alone is enough for you and me, too. Many times glory is chiefly hidden, but it will all be seen one day. If we can face the tears and disappointments of life, when our hopes are crucified, and see Jesus alone, with His great love for us, we will be truly blessed!
Peter could not stay up on the mountain as he wished, and we cannot remain in those brief moments when we see His glory reflected in our lives, but Jesus went back down the mountain with His disciples, and He goes with us, too. Thanks be to God!
And yet you shine so wondrous, With rays of glorious light;
Your works proclaim your goodness, And all your ways are right.
We pray you, shield your people With your almighty arm
That they may dwell in safety From those who mean them harm.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 130:4)
