Devotions

John could write with confidence concerning the future transformation of the church to Christ’s likeness, not only because He was inspired in what he wrote, but also because he had seen a preview of the glory of Christ and His people. He had witnessed the transfiguration of Christ. Elsewhere he testifies, “We beheld his glory.”

Three of the Gospel writers record Christ’s transfiguration, giving us a full picture of the event. Not only did Christ’s glory shine through the veil of His flesh, but the narrative also mentions “Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory.” Moses had died, but Elias had not. Yet here they were, united in glory, representing the glorified throng who will be with Christ. Observe that they were talking with Jesus.

While Moses and Elias talked, the three disciples “were heavy with sleep.” Our bodies as they presently are, are not fitted for heaven. They must be changed, and they will be at the last trump. Obviously the disciples’ minds did not have the capacity to take in what was happening. They “were sore afraid.” Peter spoke of erecting “three tabernacles,… not knowing what he said.” But the two glorified saints were at ease. Surely our minds must be transformed also. “Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face.”

Notice that Moses and Elias “spake of his decease.” Heaven’s theme of conversation will be Christ’s redemptive work. Here our souls are often heavy, and we hang our harps on the willows. But then we will unceasingly sing, “Thou art worthy… for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood.”