Today’s Reading:
Mark 9: (2-8) 9-13
“And a cloud came and overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, saying: “This is My beloved Son, Hear Him. Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.” (vv. 7-8)
Peter, James and John were witnesses to the inner glory of God in Jesus Christ. His apparel and immediate environment reflect the glory of God described as the whiteness or purity unequalled here on earth (vv. 2-3). This was a foretaste of ‘the kingdom of God come with power’ (v.1).
As believers the presence of the glory of God in our lives will result in transformation of our lives. A question arises, why was it that it was only Peter, James and John that were taken to eventful places (Luke 8:51) and experience the foretaste of the glory of God in the life of Jesus? The reason could be that they were the most ready of all the disciples to understand and accept the great truth. They were the inner circle of the disciples and also, they were among the first to heed Jesus' call (1:16-19). The same goes for all Christians, it is only those that are ready to accept the great truth about Jesus that will experience the glory of his presence. Many people profess to be Christians, but find it difficult to be obedient to his command. I ask you as a follower of Christ that, what is your disposition towards the truth Jesus. If Jesus were around today, will you be among those of the inner circle of his followers.
In the Bible times, mountains were usually associated to closeness to God and readiness to receive his words. God appeared to both Moses (24:12-18), and Elijah (1Kgs. 19:8-18) on mountains. The transfiguration reveals Christ’s divine nature. Also, God’s voice exalted Jesus above Moses and Elijah, as the expected Messiah with full divine authority. Moses represented the Law and Elijah the prophets, their appearance show Jesus as the fulfilment of both the Old Testament law and the prophetic promises. Jesus was not the reincarnation of Moses or of Elijah; He was also not one of the mere prophets. As the beloved Son of God, Jesus far surpasses the law and prophets in authority and power.
We are not to take all voices talking to us about how to live and know God personally; some may be helpful but it is best to believe the Bible revelation of Jesus and then evaluate all other authorities in the light of God’s revelation. “A cloud appeared and covered them” (v. 7). Clouds often reveal or conceal the glory of God. The Shekinah glory of God which through the Old Testament, was a symbol of God’s presence among his people to protect and guide them (Ex. 16:10; 19:9; 24:15-18). The cloud was accompanied by a heavenly attestation in which God the Father corroborated Jesus’ words and deeds and announced the only appropriate response from us all: ‘Listen to him!’ also means obey him. The one to whom the law and the prophets pointed to, is the One whom the disciples and all believers should listen to and obey (Heb. 1:1-2). When God speaks, obedience is the only appropriate response for all human beings. After the voice spoke, the cloud cleared (v.8). The kingdom that Peter, James and John were privileged to see come in power and glory, must for now be concealed.
The values of the eternal kingdom of God were different from the values of the world system. Today, like the Jews, we are more concerned with solutions to the present problems; whereas, deliverance from sin is far more important than deliverance from physical suffering or political oppression. Note, it is not that deliverance from physical suffering or political oppression is not important, it is very important but, working towards where we hope to spend eternity should take priority. Jesus said: Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33) This is why our understanding of, and appreciation for our Lord Jesus Christ must go beyond what he is able to do for us in this present world.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer
Father, forgive me where I have got the truth about Jesus Christ wrong; open my eyes to see your glory and let your kingdom come in my life, in Jesus name.
Holy Ghost, fill and purge my foundation with your fire, and empower me to function to the glory of God, in Jesus name.
Father, that I may know Christ and experience the power of His resurrection, in Jesus name.
Father, revive your Pentecostal power and fire in Your Church, in Jesus name.
O Lord, utter your voice upon the chaotic situation of the nations of the world, especially our nation and let there be peace and progress, in Jesus name
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