Most of us remember that line from the classic hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness: “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow …” Now “hope for tomorrow” sounds like an awesome thing – I’ll give you that – but I’m beginning to conclude that most people could use a little “bright hope” about right now!
I’m not sure exactly why most spirits don’t seem to be soaring at present, but let’s assume for a minute or two that my suspicions are correct. Let’s assume that a spiritual boost is in order, and let’s glance at a passage of Scripture where an event is recorded that really is quite unparalleled in the Word of God: the Transfiguration. If you have a Bible nearby, grab it and join me in Mark 9:1-13.
You and I are so much like these disciples. We get it, but not really. We understand, but not really. We’re on board, but not really. Can I get a witness? We really want to believe with gusto the things we believe, but we’re so darn tied down to the things of this world that it’s hard to see beyond the morning fog. Maybe I’m just speaking for myself, but I’m hoping that at least some of you will be able to relate.
Jesus has told these guys some great things. But He’s also told them some hard things. Like, for example, that He will suffer and die. That was a hard pill for the disciples to swallow. In fact it didn’t make much sense to them at all! In fact, even their belief in Christ’s resurrection hinged upon their belief in His suffering and death – so we can understand why they had such a hard time with so many of these “doctrinal” matters.
Here’s my premise: so do we.
If you’re familiar with the history of the earliest church, you know that – from the perspective of Mark 9 – the Day of Pentecost is on the way. It will be a game-changer in terms of bringing about a robust and widespread conviction that the risen Jesus Christ is Lord! But, even prior to Pentecost, God is so gracious to give Peter, James, and John – and through them, us– a jolt of much-needed hope.
And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus … And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”
Other than that it was an ordinary day.
So how does this magnificent and factual account encourage us?
We are reminded that God meets us at our point of deepest need. These half-hearted followers were just that –half-hearted. But that didn’t stop the Lord from doing even the ultra-extraordinary to remind them of His grace toward them. The Bible records that all three men were “terrified” and that even self-assured Peter “did not know what to say.” But that became the perfect opportunity for the sovereignty and goodness of Almighty God to shine, quite literally.
We are reminded that God is always ahead of us on our journey, and that He is always preparing us for what lies ahead. And, by the way, it is only God who knows what lies ahead for any one of us. He has called us to a life of faith, Beloved, but our flesh – this side of glory – will keep trying to attach itself to something (anything) here which will give us the illusion of security.
We are reminded that God must capture our attention before we can grasp the wonder of this present moment. Only Jesus could explain all of this! Only Jesus could make sense of any of this! Only Jesus could set the record straight! These disciples would still have their questions (some of them really good ones), but they would also have the needed courage to put the next foot forward.
What I’m challenging you to do today, friends, is to submit your unknowns to the Lord Jesus. His Second Coming is at hand, but sometimes that’s a little hard to grasp in a world of – among many other strange things –demoniccartoons. So go ahead and tell Him where you’re hurting. Tell Him where you’re struggling. Tell Him where you’re not so sure what you really believe. (He already knows.)
Our half-heartedness never surprises Him, and He always meets us so much more than halfway.
Pastor Charles
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