Lent: Journey According To LukeSample

THE GLORIOUS PRESENCE OF GOD

DEVOTION
In this Bible passage, Jesus took Peter, James, and John for a special revelation of his glory. These three disciples comprised the inner circle of the twelve. Jesus took them with him and went to a mountain to pray. It’s called the ‘Mount of Transfiguration’. When I visited Jerusalem, I learned that this mountain is traditionally considered to be Mount Tabor. It is located in Galilee, at the eastern end of the Jezreel valley. My colleagues and I went up to the mountaintop by car and when we reached the peak, I was amazed! It’s so high and is a truly magnificent place. You can see the beautiful surroundings. How wonderful it would be to stay on the mountaintop and bask in Christ’s glory.

As Jesus was praying, the appearance of his face transfigured, and his clothing became dazzling white. Jesus Christ allowed his glory to radiate through his whole being, and the mountaintop became a ‘holy of holies’.

As we meditate on this event, let us keep in mind that Jesus has shared this glory with us as his followers, and he promised a glorious home forever. Discipleship is not built on spectacular visions, but on the inspired and unchanging word of God.’ The important thing is not only seeing wonderful sights, but also hearing God’s Word. ‘This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.’ In other words, we must follow and obey him. The dazzling light on the Mount of Transfiguration now shines in our hearts as we encounter Jesus Christ through the word.

You and I haven’t seen what Peter, James, and John saw; but our experience comes by faith, not by sight. When we surrender our lives to God, he will transfigure our minds, he will purify our hearts, he will renew our whole being. As we yield to the Spirit of God, he changes us ‘from glory to glory.’

FOR REFLECTION
• Why would Jesus take these three disciples to witness this marvelous event? Why only three, not twelve?
• If you were given a chance to take three people up a mountain to meet God, whom would you take? Why?
• How would you describe your relationship with Jesus Christ right now?

PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for this challenging and enlightening message. I acknowledge that your Word is the light of my life. Help me to abide in your Word and worship you daily so that I will be transformed and reflect your glory to those I meet today and everyday.
This is my prayer in the mighty name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.