LUKE 9:34-35. “While He thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him.”
A CLOUD AND A VOICE. There are many ways we can know and see the power of God. Creation, and power in nature; salvation, and power in the new birth; prayer, and the power that answers. All power is given unto the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven and earth. When the cloud came and then the voice came, the three disciples knew God was near, and they were afraid. Years later they still made reference to the impact of the events that took place on that mountain. They knew, better than before, who the Son of Man really was.
THE SON OF MAN – THE SENT ONE [v.20-22] The Person was sent. God had planned this. The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. The Purpose was stated – to be the Savior; to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself; to give life abundantly; to save His people from their sins. The Power was seen. Evidence was seen in healing miracles, control over the elements, authority over sin, power over death itself.
THE SON OF MAN – AND HIS SERVANTS [v.26-35] The changed lives of believers, give evidence of who the Son of Man really is. The disciple and his cross – identification: The Son of Man has power to save and to keep those who belong to Him. They are identified with Him and likeness to Him, not with a badge or symbol. The disciple and his life – satisfaction: The Son of Man has power to satisfy and supply every spiritual need that arises. The disciple and his future – participation: The Son of Man gives power to sustain and serve acceptably.
THE SON OF MAN – AMONG SINFUL MEN [v.43-45] The things He did for them: He healed them, fed them and raised the dead. He has power to bless. The things He said to them: He gave them warnings, instructions, exhortations, comfort and welcomed them. He has the power to forgive their sins. The things He endured from them: He was reproached, despised, delivered, and crucified. He had power under control (meekness).
THE SON OF MAN – THE GRACIOUS SAVIOR [v.51-56] The Son of Man has power to destroy, but He doesn’t. The son of Man has power to save, and He does.
THE SON OF MAN – THE HOMELESS STRANGER [v.57-62] The Son of Man made clear the principles of, and access to, the kingdom of God. Sight of the kingdom: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Entrance into the kingdom: “Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Message of the kingdom: “Repent ye and believe the Gospel.” Service in the kingdom: “Go ye therefore and make disciples.”
“God and Father of all that know Thee and the Lord Jesus Christ: I know the covering cloud allowed those men to hear Thy voice and yet not die at the glory of Thy presence. They never forgot what they had seen and heard on that mountain. I have had some experiences in my life that still remain fresh in my mind and heart. By Thy grace please never let the impact of those times ever leave my mind. Amen.”