MATTHEW 17 THE SON OF MAN - JESUS ONLY An experience happened a week later three disciples never forgot even in their old age. They saw what the Lord looks like in glory. The transfiguration of the Lord left an indelible impression on them. John said, "We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." Peter wrote, "We were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory..." There was a lasting impact on those men as they saw "the brightness of His glory." I was impressed with the visual evidence of glory that was seen on that mountain in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. His face shone as the sun. That was not a reflected glory. That was glory from within Himself. The evidence of holiness and absolute purity was actually a visible feature. The very clothing of the Lord was not able to obscure the light that emanated from the Lord as He was visibly changed before the watching disciples. There was visible recognition as to who He was, but there was visible change as well. This gave to me a little understanding of what those in glory are like. "We shall see Him and be like Him for we shall see Him as He is."
The limitations of personal recognition are also removed. The watching disciples knew both Moses and Elijah. The lives of those two men were separated by more than five hundred years and yet they knew each other and knew of the Lord's imminent death on the cross. The watching disciples must have been amazed they not only knew these two men, but were able to see them at one time - and then they were gone. This little view of coming glory gives us a little foreknowledge of the future. There is a physical glory that is seen and yet recognition of individual persons is there. There is an interaction between people who lived in different times in their lives on earth. There is personal communication with the Lord Jesus. Events going on in the world are of interest by those who have gone to heaven. The communication between those who have passed on is understandable by all who are involved. The activities and work of God is the theme of their interest. We do not have to fear when we are confronted by such holy things. There are times when things should not be spoken of as well as when they should be spoken of. There is an appropriateness about the things of God that we need to maintain now.
A time will come when there will be a far greater understanding of the kingdom of God then we have now. As I watched that mountain event, I could understand a number of lessons that would have been learned by those disciples as well as us today. The future is not lived in some vague ethereal state without form or reason. There is an on-going work of God in which the saints in heaven are aware of and are interested in. It would seem that they are also participants in some way because those two men were there on that mountain for a brief time in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whether their role was to encourage Him, get instructions from Him to take back and tell others, or what exactly they were there to do I am not sure. But I know the journey from heaven to the mount of transfiguration had significant purposes. As for me, it gave some insight into the life of those who have already passed into heaven to be with Christ, "Which is very far better."
The man with an uncontrollable son who was possessed with a demon may have known the disciples had healed people before. The disciples had to learn it is Christ that heals by His own power. Our faith is not to be in our own faith or perceived ability to meet the needs of the moment, but faith in the God of power. When God is with us and using us, much can be done. When there are obstacles and problems that seem too great for us, we must turn from the object to God Himself. There is a great need of faith in any work for God we are called to do.
Again, the Lord Jesus told His disciples what was going to happen in the near future. He was going to be crucified, buried and rise again the third day. This time there was a different reaction. Now they responded as normal people who have to face a coming tragedy. This time they were filled with grief at that which was going to happen. As they were made aware of the things that were going to take place, they must have wondered what the Lord meant about being raised again. The physical death they could understand because it is taking place all the time. No one is exempt from that. The resurrection of Christ seemed not to be understood. They had seen Jesus raise other people from the dead but who would raise Him. There are things we believe that we cannot fully understand. That isn't a real problem. What is important is that we believe what God says and go forward in confidence, even though we may not know what is coming next. God knows, and we have faith in Him and that is good enough for me. The events of this week ahead are unknown to me but God knows each activity and the result. My responsibility is to go forward in faith.
When it came to the subject of the taxes paid by the subjects to those in authority, Peter had yet to grasp the fact that Jesus is the King. The Lord knew Peter's limitations so instead of telling him kings pay no taxes, He made provision for them both. God did His work and Peter had to go and do his. He had to go in faith and do what was normally never done - get the money from a fish's mouth.
When it is a glimpse of future glory - the object is to fix our eyes on Jesus only. When it is dealing with the present needs of other people - it is Jesus only. In our own personal needs and obligations, our response still focuses on - Jesus only.
"Father, may the objective of this day's activities be for the glory and honor of Jesus only. May Thy Word bring blessing to others as we speak of salvation through Jesus only. In His name, Amen."
Another mountain yet to climb, other lessons yet to learn. Another experience to share with Him, other events till we can earn The privilege of being entrusted with holy things heretofore unknown, Some glimpse of heaven and what it's like in transfiguration thus is shown.
Another sight of the Lord Himself, His glory is for a moment revealed. Another view of those men of faith, getting insight to what was concealed.
Hearing voices before unheard, seeing faces with real recognition. Knowing the subject they are talking about; not wanting to hear of crucifixion.
Another voice heard once again declaring delight in His Beloved Son. Another testimony right from heaven establishing the uniqueness of this Holy One.
No wonder there is fear and awe, this place is like being up in heaven. How to make this known was clear, after the resurrection, tell this vision.
Another needy person comes to the Son of Man in faith. Another broken-hearted parent with grief etched on his face. Others cannot help, their focus is in the wrong place. Jesus only can meet that need with compassion and His grace.
Another lesson learned; faith is to be placed in Jesus only. Another point to be made, God expects us to be holy. Not looking at our own faith to see if we can meet the need. Putting our faith in the Son of Man and to Him alone pay heed.
Another look ahead into the future as the Son of Man speaks to His own. Another reminder of the redemptive work that by Him must be done. Jesus only is able to accomplish that for He alone is sinless. The result of that cross-work is that with salvation He can bless us.
Another challenge to the Lord that fault-finding people try to find. Another test of my faith as I take all this information into my mind. The Son of Man is Lord of all. the Eternal God, the King of kings. It is through Jesus only and His grace, the water of life does to me spring.
"Father God, I think I am learning some new lessons and being retested on some old ones during this series of Gospel meetings. I am reminded of Thy grace and strength that becomes evident in my weakness. Sometimes I feel like water on the ground. If that is the case, would You please accept this poured out water as an offering of gratitude to Thee like David did. There are times when my inability and weakness really scare me. Help me Father, to put my trust wholly in Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."