Exploring Spiritual Transformation: Insights from Biblical Transfiguration
Exodus 28-29 / Matthew 17, Psalm 113
Matthew 17:1-3
1 After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John (His brother) up a high mountain, just by themselves. 2 There, He was transfigured before them: His face shining like the sun, and His clothes becoming as white as light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared, engaged in conversation with Him.
Jesus, the Son of Man, who shared in the everyday life of His disciples, ascended a mountain and was gloriously transformed.
His face began to radiate, manifesting heaven on earth; the divine glory of God illuminated Jesus’ face. Remarkably, He was joined by Moses and Elijah, vividly alive and actively participating in this dramatic moment.
As Jesus journeyed towards the cross, the Lamb foreordained before the world’s foundation found Himself in a unique reality, deeply discussing His forthcoming act.
Have you ever wondered about their conversation? Jesus, joined by those who preceded His earthy ministry, was not isolated from heaven; rather, heaven remained intimately connected with Him. They conversed in a reality where heaven and earth intertwined.
Hebrews 12:1-2
1 So, surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let’s shed every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Are you aware that we, too, are encompassed by these witnesses? We aren’t severed from heaven. Instead, we have access to it, even standing before the throne now.
We exist both here and there! (Ephesians 2:6)
Consider this:
Ephesians 1:7-10
7 In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the richness of His grace, 8 lavished upon us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure set forth in Christ, 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
There’s an abundance beyond just the forgiveness of sins! Glory to God. Forgiveness is merely the threshold of glory, the entrance! But, beloved, we’re invited further in!
We’re beckoned into the reality where Christ resides. And He, in turn, infuses our reality. We crown Him as Lord of our lives, enthroning Him in our hearts, yes? Yet, there is even more!
Jesus ascended. Remember? Witnessed by 500, He ascended through the clouds. (Acts 1)
How do we engage with the heavenly reality? How do we connect with the One who has completed the work?
Place your faith in Jesus. Reflect on His final prayer for us before the cross, where He died not just for us, but as us:
John 17:24
24 “Father, I desire that those you have given me may be with me where I am, to behold my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”
Trust in His prayer for us. Surely, our Father will fulfill the request of His only Son. Do you believe that?
Join me in this prayer: Heavenly Father, honor the prayer of Jesus in my life. Allow me to be with Him, to witness His radiant glory. Reveal the truth to me, that I am seated with Him in heavenly realms. Guide me into the full extent of Jesus’ longing for me.
My faith rests not in my own ascent but in the complete work your Son achieved on the cross. I embrace Your invitation, responding with a resounding yes. Let me journey with You in the realm of the living.
Deepening Faith: Reflective Journal Prompts
- Transfiguration and Personal Transformation: Reflect on the story of Jesus’ transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-3. How does this miraculous event inspire you to seek personal transformation in your own spiritual journey? Consider moments in your life where you felt a profound change or a deeper connection to your faith.
- Encounters with the Divine: In light of Hebrews 12:1-2, write about a time when you felt surrounded by a ‘cloud of witnesses’ or experienced a profound sense of spiritual support. How did this encounter influence your understanding of faith and your connection to the divine?
- Heavenly Realms and Earthly Existence: Ephesians 2:6 speaks of existing in both heavenly and earthly realms. Journal about how you balance your spiritual beliefs with the demands of your daily life. Are there moments where you feel the intersection of these realms?
- The Meaning of Redemption: Reflect on Ephesians 1:7-10, focusing on the concept of redemption through Christ. How does this understanding of redemption influence your perspective on forgiveness, grace, and the unification of all things under Christ?
- Christ’s Ascension and Our Faith Journey: Acts 1 describes Jesus’ ascension. How does this event shape your view of Jesus’ role in your life and your faith journey? Write about how the ascension impacts your faith and how you might embody the teachings of Jesus in your daily actions.
No matter the time of year, it’s never too late to start reading through the Bible with us. We invite you to join our community and embark on this enriching experience. You can access the reading schedule here to get started today. Explore the timeless wisdom of Scripture, grow in your faith, and engage in meaningful discussions with fellow readers. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Embark on a transformative journey with us by joining our mailing list. As a subscriber, you’ll receive heartfelt devotionals, insightful updates, and inspiration. Together, we’ll deepen our faith, connect on a deeper level, and embrace life’s beauty. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of our close-knit community. Let’s start this faith-filled journey together. Subscribe today and let’s go after God with all of our hearts.
