Transfigured

Mark 9:2-3 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.
 
JESUS begins to fulfill his prophecy of Mark 9:1. Transfigured means “to transform one’s appearance revealing great beauty and magnificence.” That’s what happened to Jesus that day. He became extraordinarily beautiful. Dazzling light and brightness overwhelmed the disciples. Peter, James and John saw a glimpse of Jesus’ heavenly existence. This was an extraordinary blessing for these men to receive that extraordinary view of heaven. Do you think God had something extraordinary for them to do?
   If so, Jesus’ effort seems at first to be wasted on these men. In the coming days, John and James would seek their own kingdom glory, requesting to sit at Jesus’ left and right hand in his reign (Mark 10). Peter would continue to push back against Jesus’ commitment to the cross. And, of course, there is Peter’s faithless denial of Jesus. Did it do any good for these men to see Jesus’ dazzling glory?
   If you’re paying attention, every experience with God is extraordinary because God is not ordinary. Each thing he does in your life makes a difference. After Peter saw the resurrected Christ, and Jesus restored him to ministry (John 21) he surely remembered the Transfiguration. His anointed ministry transformed his mind, so he personally knew the words he taught to the church: 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
   Likewise, John could write his gospel and his epistles with more certainty that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Surely John remembered Jesus’ Transfiguration when he saw the Revelation of the Son of God displaying Jesus’ and heaven’s glory.  
   And what about James? He died a martyr in the early church. Having seen Jesus’ full glory on the mount and later from the grave, James would have seen death as his portal to the full presence of Jesus’ eternal glory. He knew heaven awaited him because Jesus had promised John 14:2 “In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”  James knew about heaven. He was eager to go there.  
   God is a faith-builder. He reveals himself to you, so you will know the glory oof his saving power. He knows you are on a journey. As he remained present with Peter, James and John to guide them to their gospel work, he does the same with you. Be alert to his revelations. Understand how he is speaking to you when you read the Bible, pray, join in study with others and experience daily life. When your faith seems weak and challenged, remember all of the Bible’s “heroes” experienced those same challenges. Their response was to remain committed to Jesus. He is the only One who can strengthen your relationship with him.