Lent 2021 - TURNING POINT

Saturday, April 3rd

Transfigured, Matthew 17:1-6 -Written by Kristen Raine

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up
a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.   3 Just then there appeared before them Moses
and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking,
a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him
 I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.  Matthew 17:1-6

Can you imagine this moment?  Seeing Jesus in perhaps His heavenly form?  And Moses and Elijah too?  And … then the voice of God Almighty?  Visibly and audibly confirming to these men that Jesus is the son of God, the Messiah and the fulfillment of prophecy (Elijah) and the law (Moses).  And the response of these two disciples?  They fell to the ground, terrified. 

Today is Saturday, the day between the crucifixion and the resurrection; a dark, sad and quiet day where the disciples of Jesus had the same response – they were terrified, they were also hiding and they were mourning.  After all they had been told, after all they had witnessed … and for James and John, after seeing Jesus transfigured and hearing God’s voice – they were still clueless. 

We have days like that – months like that – sometimes years like that, where we fall facedown and are terrified, in the dark, confused, mourning and terrified.  Remember the words of Jesus, the actions of Jesus, the promises of Jesus and do what God commanded at the transfiguration, “LISTEN TO HIM.”  No matter how dismal your circumstance might seem in these moments of darkness, Your story – His story – isn’t finished.  Don’t be clueless –Listen to Him – Trust Him … It’s Saturday, but Sunday’s coming.  That was true for Jesus 2,000 years ago and it’s true for you and me today.   

 

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