mark 9:2-4 :: the transfiguration (pt 1)

i love when we have to use words for God that we never eally use for anything else…transfigured is one of them. yes it is applicable to caterpillars morphing into butterflies, and it is used on makeover shows occasionally, but the main reference point for this word, in my life at least, is tied directly to this occasion in Scripture.

transfiguration isn’t something i can just do to myself. i can’t suddenly change my appearance beyond making a strange face or contorting my body, and even then i am still instantly recognized as ben, but just in a weird mood or maybe i’ve just been stung. but Jesus here, His transfiguration is almost more of a reversion. He is being shown for who He really is, and His glory is revealed. It almost makes me wonder if it was a relief to Him to get to do this, as if walking around all day in our dullness of hue and sheen felt like being pent up.

sometimes people will let their ‘instinct’ get the better of them, and they revert to more barbaric behavior. or someone gets into a tight spot, and their true colors are revealed, but not for the better. when humans revert, it isn’t pretty. but when Jesus is given the opportunity to show himself to his inner circle of disciples, they get to see Him for who He really is…and it is wonderous.

He is transfigured on this mountaintop, and the change is fantastic and glorious. and Moses and Elijah show up just to top things off and to encourage Him in what He is doing.

we cannot hope for a positive change from the help of man. any man, no matter how persuasive or charistmatic they may be. the only change we can believe in comes form Jesus Christ Himself.

asking anyone else for help will just leave us high and dry…