Today's Passage - Matthew 17:1-8

Matthew 17:1-8   After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.   The transfiguration of Jesus was very important to the disciples at that time. First, transfiguration clearly showed to the disciples that Jesus is the son of God. They saw cloud, and in the Old Testament cloud symbolizes the presence of God. The Tabernacle was operated according to the cloud; when the cloud stayed, the tabernacle stayed; when the cloud moved forward, people and the tabernacle moved forward. Here, they not only saw cloud, but also heard voice from the cloud. This was the testimony that God Himself gave for His son, Jesus Christ.   Second, transfiguration made disciples taste the coming of God's kingdom. Matthew 16:28 clearly says, "some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."  Transfiguration fulfilled this verse. Disciples knew that the promise of the kingdom of God was real. The teachings of the Lord on the kingdom of God was not false. Transfiguration deepened their resolve to the promise of God. It assured them when running forward in the future.   Third, transfiguration let them realize the close bonding between the Lord and disciples. Elijah and Moses are merely mortals like us. But they can have such a close relationship with the Lord. To believers, this is a great encouragement. When we saw the transfiguration, we realize that in heaven in the future, our relationship with the Lord will be just like this.    By the hope that God gave us, we have power to serve God. After Peter saw these, the words he said to Jesus was his willingness to forever staying there. "Let us forever enjoying your presence. Let us not come down the mountain!" Today, many believers are just like Peter. They emphasize the presence of the Lord, but forget the commission of the kingdom of heaven is to preach gospels to those who are in need. Thus the voice of the Father said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" In other words, having faith doesn't mean one can do whatever one wants. Having faith is to listen to the voice of the Lord, preach Lord's message, follow Him and worship Him alone!   Pray with Pastor Tong   Lord, we only want to follow you, because you are the only Son of God. Everyday, let us be obedient to you, walk your path, and live for you. Let you will be fulfilled through us. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!              Shekinah Glory - ROLCC Building Expansion Project - Follow us on our Facebook page!