Leviticus 20:22-22:16
Mark 9:1-29
Psalm 43:1-5
Proverbs 10:18
Leviticus 20:23 Do not live according to the customs of the people I am driving out before you. It is because they do these shameful things that I detest them. 24 But I have promised you, ‘You will possess their land because I will give it to you as your possession—a land flowing with milk and honey.’ I am the Lord your God, who has set you apart from all other people.
Just another statement about needing to be different from those around us. We have been set apart by Jesus and are to live in such a way that brings all glory and honor to Him.
Mark 9:2 Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. 4 Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus.
I am reading the book "The Case for Heaven" by Lee Stroble. He used the transfiguration to connect the descriptions of heaven of those who have had near death experiences (NDE) to biblical examples. The NDE people describe the brightness and beauty of heaven as being beyond description. Brighter and more beautiful than can be explained or comprehended. They are also greeted by loved ones that have died before them.
The definition of the word transfiguration according to Mirriam Webster is:
1. : a great change of form or appearance. especially: a change that beautifies, glorifies, or makes more spiritual.
Jesus is transfigured into His Glorious Heavenly state and is joined by Moses and Elijah to show that He fulfills the law and the prophecies. Can you even begin to imagine what it would be like to witness the glory of God face to face?
Mark 9:5 Peter exclaimed, “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.
The disciples were so overwhelmed with what they were seeing they didn't know what to do. Peter who always had something to say and was always quick to act didn't know what to say or do so he offers to make shelters even though there was no reason to do so. The others were silent it appears. I imagine they were speechless. Even Peter could not have imagined what he would do in this situation.
Mark 9:7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus with them.
And then they see and hear the Father who comes down in a cloud and speaks with what I am sure is like a thundering voice. Can you imagine what it would be like to hear God speak?
They experienced a small taste of heaven and what it would be like to be in the presence of God. Imagine a new earth that is brighter and more beautifully perfect than could ever be comprehended by our human understanding and to be in the presence of God and to hear Him speak. It fills me with such great anticipation that it brings tears to my eyes. Oh, the wonder that we have to look forward to. Thank you Jesus for making it possible for me know that I can look forward to heaven and eternity with you! I can only imagine what it will be like to see you face to face. Come Lord Jesus!
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