Do We Expect the Spectacular?

N.T.#199 "Do We Expect the Spectacular?"

Dec. 11, 2023

Matthew 17-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

I recall going to see Sandi Patti and other great singers as they gave a concert in Memphis. One of the songs was from Handel's Messiah. I can't describe the feeling of God's presence and His glory. The lyrics came directly out of Isaiah 40: 1-2-ev'ry valley shall be exalted, and ev'ry mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight and rough places plain. 

"And the glory, the glory of the Lord shall be revealed!" as the choir sang. In the Greek language, glory (doxa) refers to dignity; honor; raise; worship.

In The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, glory means renown, honor and praise rendered in worship, resplendence, magnificence. 

Such a powerful word in itself can only introduce us to the depth and height, width and breath of God's resplendence, of His magnificence, of His praiseworthiness... of His glory. (Swindoll)

Previously, Jesus discussed His identity, His mission, and the cost of discipleship. (16:13-28) The inner circle of Jesus' disciples, Peter, James, and John, were on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus when He changed His appearance into the personal manifestation of God's glory. This was a supernatural occurrence in which 3 Jewish fishermen caught a glimpse of the glorious deity of Christ Jesus-His face as bright as the sun and His clothing as white as the light. What an incredible experience!

As if that were not enough, two eminent Old Testament figures, Moses and Elijah, appeared and talked with Jesus. Those two men represented those who will be raptured and not see death (like Elijah) and those who will die and go to be with the Lord (like Moses). Also, Moses represented the Law, and Elijah represented the Prophets. Together, along with the disciples, all represented both the Old and New Testaments centered on Jesus. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GROW

Luke's Gospel tells us that prior to the Transfiguration, Jesus had been praying on the high mountain, and the 3 disciples had dozed off. (9:28. 32) Mount Herman is over 10,000 feet high, so it was probably exhausting for the trio to climb. (My thinking) When they work up, they witnessed a brilliant light and heavenly visitors, resulting in the disciples being clearly dumbfounded. Wow! What a surprise! They could have missed it.

Do we miss out on God's working in our life and around us? Has our faith lulled us asleep, not expecting hope and spectacular working of the Holy Spirit?

LET IT GO 

                               ...and let God do His think in our life and our loved ones for His glory.