Transfiguration is one of them.
He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.”
Matthew 17:5 (ESV)
For many it’s a interesting story of Jesus going up a mountain with his besties, appearing brilliantly with Moses and Elijah, and His Father giving Jesus His imprimatur. Peter says some “Peter things,” and they come down.
Of course, all that is true.
But it seems there is so much more going on!
First, of course, is that Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets – which Jesus came to fulfill. They were on the holy “Mountain of God” in their respective times.
The mountain where Jesus was transfigured – considered by some to be Mount Tabor – has much to consider that it was instead Mount Hermon at the northern end of Israel.
Why is that important?
Mount Hermon was in the Bashan area. It was where some considered evil spiritual forces descended to commit some of their rebellion. There was a place there that was called “the Gates of Hades” and is the area where a little prior to today’s reading Peter gave his confession of Jesus and Jesus said “the gates of Hell” would not prevail against the Church.
If this, and not the Mountain of God,” is where this Transfiguration took place, there seems to be a message being telegraphed of cosmic spiritual significance happening.
Jesus is taking the battle to the Enemy! He is letting it be known that He is here to fulfill all that the OT said and conquer all who oppose. This mountain of the Enemy will no longer be a stronghold. Jesus, the beloved son of God, has come and, as a result, we will all be transfigured into His holy ones through faith!
Right before our text Jesus tells his followers they must “take up their cross and follow Him.” There is no doubt this means pain, sacrifice, humiliation, and suffering are a part of a Christian’s life (just as He also tells them of His impending death), but that is sandwiched between Jesus’ “the Gates of Hell will not prevail” and Jesus taking to the top of an Enemy’s mountain to say, in essence, “I’m coming for you!”
No matter what is going on in your life, look to the Transfigured Jesus as evidence that whatever you are facing, Jesus has covered it; has conquered it; has redeemed it! The Enemy is defeated and his time is limited! Rejoice as we look forward to the reality of a life transfigured in Jesus forever!
Bring it, Lord!
Scripture
- Exodus 24:12–18
- 1 Kings 19:3–8
- Matthew 17:1–8
- Psalm 121
