0398. CHRIST TRANSFIGURED ON THE MOUNT.

CHRIST TRANSFIGURED ON THE MOUNT.

Luk_9:28-36.

We have before us here the most rapturous picture that the eyes of mortal ever gazed upon-a moving picture, a transformation scene. A despised and rejected Man, radiant and luminous with the ineffable glory of God. Notice the-

I. Appointed Time. "About eight days after" (Luk_24:28). We are always inclined to associate the eighth day with resurrection glory. It was eight days after He had told them that some were standing here that should not taste of death till they had seen the Kingdom of God (Luk_24:27). The transfiguration was at least a manifestation of the glory of God’s appointed King.

II. Favoured Company. "He took Peter, and John, and James" (Luk_24:28). He might have left them behind, but in His love and pity He took them with Him. Little did they know what was in store for them while they followed Him up the mount. Do we realise now, as we follow our Lord up the hill of life, what a vision awaits us? It is still His desire that we should be with Him where He is, and behold His glory (Joh_17:24).

III. Special Purpose. "He went up to pray." He could have prayed at the foot of the hill as well as at the top, but He would teach us the necessity of going alone purposely to meet and speak with God. Many pray before, or after, they go to bed, but how few go into the quiet room or lonely hill-side purposely to pray. We should go as definitely into our closet for prayer as we go into the kitchen or dining-room for our meals.

IV. Glorious Change. It was while He prayed that "the fashion of His countenance was altered," and the hidden glory of His nature burst forth, as the sun through the rifted clouds (Mat_17:2). No one has ever yet proved to the full the possibilities of secret prayer. It was while Moses communed with God that the skin of his face shone. The perfect fellowship of Heaven means perfect conformity to His likeness (Rev_1:16; 1Jn_3:2). Prayer is a mighty antidote for an evil temper, and every other uncharitable feature of our character; instead of wrath there will come forth glory.

V. Heavenly Visitants. "Behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias" (Luk_24:30). Moses and Elias had both experienced what it was to "depart and be with Christ, which is far better." The company of Jesus Christ is such a privilege and blessing that even the glorified delight to come to earth to share it. How much more ought we to prize it now! In His presence is fullness of joy.

VI. Wonderful Theme. "They spake of His decease" (Luk_24:31). What a subject for such an occasion! What a terrible prospect for such a glorious One! What a value we ought to set on such a death! It was probably the greatest event that has ever been heard of in Heaven. What place has it in our conversation? What power has it over our hearts and lives? He died for our sins.

VII. Foolish Proposal. Peter, who had just awaked out of sleep and saw His glory, asked of Him permission "to make three tabernacles" (Luk_24:32-33). What were they going to do with tabernacles, when Moses and Elias were going back to Heaven, and Jesus to a Cross? Those who sleep when they should be awake are sure to talk foolishly. Did he think that this glory could be shut up in temples made with hands? (1Co_2:13-14).

VIII. Assuring Voice. "There came a voice out of the cloud saying, This is My beloved Son; hear Him" (Luk_24:35-36). Peter afterwards declared that this voice they heard when they were with Him on the mount (2Pe_1:17-18). The divinity of Christ is here attested by the invisible Father. Let us give earnest heed lest we should let this assuring Word of Christ’s power to redeem us by His death slip away from us. Hear Him. "Hear, and your soul shall life" (Isa_55:3).

Autor: James Smith