Meditation by Don Schwagger (RC Net):

Are you prepared to see God's glory? God is eager to share his glory with us! We get a glimpse of this when the disciples see Jesus transfigured in glory on the mountain. [See With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration]  Mark's account tells us that Jesus' garments became glistening, intensely white. When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2 Cor. 3:7).

In this incident Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles. What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem - his betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave his approval: This is my beloved Son; listen to him. The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8). The Lord wants to reveal his glory to all who earnestly seek him with faith.

Origen, the great 3rd century bible scholar, shows us how the transfiguration can change our lives: "When he is transfigured, his face also shines as the sun that he may be manifested to the children of light who have put off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, and are no longer the children of darkness or night but have become the sons of day, and walk honestly as in the day. Being manifest, he will shine unto them not simply as the sun, but as demonstrated to be the sun of righteousness."

Luke's gospel tells us that while Jesus was transfigured, Peter, James, and John were asleep (Luke 9:32)! Upon awakening they discovered Jesus in glory along with Moses and Elijah. How much do we miss of God's glory and action because we are asleep spiritually?  There are many things which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and the "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing our doubts and questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ.

Prejudice can make us blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can be a block until we can see past it to the glory of God. Are you spiritually awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses of his glory. We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18). The Lord wants to reveal his glory to us, his beloved disciples. Do you seek his presence with faith and reverence?

"Lord Jesus, keep me always alert and awake to you, to your word, your action, and your daily presence in my life. Let me see your glory."

 

Footprints in the Sand

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." - Isaiah 43:2

It took a lot of faith for Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. And it took an equal amount of faith for the Israelites to follow God. But as they stepped out in faith and put their footprints on the floor of the Red Sea, they left a lesson for us to follow: Walk in faith, believing that the God of miracles will not let you down.

Commit your way to God. He will keep you from harm. Even when you stumble, he will catch you and keep you from falling. He will take every apparent mistake and redeem it. And if you've been deeply wounded, God will heal you and use your wound for good purposes.

So, step out in faith. Run like a child joyfully through life, holding on to the protective strong hand of God Almighty.



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Imagine being one of the Israelites who Moses asked to step out in faith and cross through the Red Sea. Footprints in the sand show us that what seems impossible really IS possible. What "footprints" has God provided you with that will give you the courage and faith you need today to do what is humanly impossible?
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Devotions taken from the "Power for Life Daily Devotional."

 

 

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• 04/06/2009 01:15 - April 5, 2009 - Sunday Meditation (Again, Who is Jesus for You?)
• 04/01/2009 03:48 - April 7, 2009 - Tuesday Meditation (Betrayal or Denial?)

• 02/23/2009 22:14 - February 25, 2009 - Ash Wednesday Meditation (Worshipping YourSelf?)
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• 02/21/2009 15:19 - February 23, 2009 - Monday Gospel (Felt Helpless?)
• 02/21/2009 05:13 - The Transfiguration Story: From Hope to Failure to Hope Again
• 02/20/2009 16:35 - February 22, 2009 - Sunday Gospel Mark 2:1-12 (Paralyzed by Guilt ???)

• 02/18/2009 23:56 - February 20, 2009 - Friday Gospel (Is It Yours?)
• 02/17/2009 07:23 - February 19, 2009, Thursday Gospel: Who is Christ for YOU?
• 02/16/2009 02:04 - February 18, 2009 - Wednesday Gospel (Certainty in Uncertainty)
• 02/16/2009 01:58 - February 17, 2009 - Tuesday Gospel (The Right Yeast)
• 02/14/2009 23:58 - February 16, 2009 - Monday Gospel Mark 8:11-13

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