An Amazing Glimpse of Glory

A trash city was the last place I expected to see God’s glory. Our missions team had just shown the Jesus Film to 250 people who live in a garbage dump in Mexico. After the movie, my wife, daughter and I shared our testimonies and invited these people to receive Christ. Hundreds came forward to pray with us! A local pastor prayed for many of them to be healed, and we saw people jumping up and walking after years of illness. It was truly amazing.

When we arrived home, our Canadian friends didn’t know what to make of our story. They couldn’t quite bring themselves to believe it. Maybe, we thought, this was meant just for the Mexicans and for us—a special glimpse of glory to grow our faith.

Peter, James and John had a similar experience in Mark 9. It was just the three of them with Jesus. Suddenly, he was transformed! No longer a humble carpenter, but a dazzling King, speaking with the long-dead Moses and Elijah. “This is my Son, whom I love,” came God’s voice from the clouds. “Listen to him!”

Here was a special gift for Jesus’ close friends: an amazing reminder of the power and glory of Jesus and his Father. It was something that would keep them going in the days ahead, which would be full of confusion and doubt. Those of us who are Jesus’ friends will sometimes have these special moments with God. We can’t engineer them or expect them. When they come, we should rejoice and let them strengthen our faith for weeks, months, and even years.

Respond in Prayer

Heavenly Father, Your glory and your power are too much for me to grasp. Help me to be open to all the ways you reveal yourself—in the mundane and the miraculous—so that my faith will grow and I can honour you. In the name of your beloved Son, Amen.

Leonard Buhler