Transfigured Thinking

[Jesus] took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:28b-31, 51

It is a real feast for the imagination, attempting to picture Jesus—transfigured in all His glory before the three disciples—talking with Moses and Elijah. And while Luke did give us a brief description of the visual scene, he evidently also thought it important for us to know the topic of the discussion: namely, Jesus’ departure from earth.

Now, while I would have thought that this conversation would focus on the cross, Luke sets up the idea (in verse 51) that Jesus was looking beyond the cross—even beyond His resurrection—to His return to the glories of heaven.

Perhaps Elijah asks, “When are you coming home, Jesus?” “Yeah, it’s not the same without You,” Moses adds. (Please forgive me, I just couldn’t resist some imaginary dialogue!)

Thankfully, there is nothing imaginary about following Jesus. Let’s approach life in the same way that Christ did, faithfully trusting God to lead us through the challenges of life and to our home with Him in heaven.

Father, You have the complete perspective on today (and everything else). Help me to trust You through the ups and downs of life and to remember that my eternal home is with You in heaven.

Praying for you,
Jim Barker