6 August 2016 - blazing light

[ Today's Readings ]

While he was praying his face changed in appearance 
and his clothing became dazzling white.

We need this vision of Jesus on the mountain, transfigured, and blazing with radiance. The only way we can follow him to the hill of Calvary is if we first spend time with him on the hill of Tabor.

The cross requires such a complete surrender that we have to know that Jesus is more than just some impressive healer or teacher. He is more than some vaguely supernatural figure. He is the one to whom all of the law and the prophets bear witness. The cross is not a deviation from his plan but rather the beginning of its conclusion.

And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, 
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus 
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.

When this really hits us and cuts us to the heart it helps us to become fully awake whereas before we were overcome by sleep.It can even shake off the sleepiness we feel trying to keep vigil in Gethsemane.

The one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship;
all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.

This is the one we behold on Mount Tabor. 

For he received honor and glory from God the Father
when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory,
“This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven
while we were with him on the holy mountain.

The enemy wants to steal this vision from us. He will succeed if we don't proclaim it, meditate on it, and celebrate it.

Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.
You will do well to be attentive to it,
as to a lamp shining in a dark place,
until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hear

Let us celebrate the revelation of who Jesus is this morning. He is the king, the Most High over all the earth. Let us rejoice in it so the enemy can't take this vision from us even as we follow Jesus to the cross.