Part of History Fulfilled

Jock Stein March 10, 2023 1 0

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Matthew 17: 1-9 (NRSVA)

1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ 

Three friends of Jesus, one of them overcome by the glory of Jesus and his own impulsive ignorance. Yes, there is hope for us too, as we stumble somewhere between our own folly and the wisdom of heaven. Happily the vision is not constrained by crass Peter – he simply has to catch up, even if he didn’t quite manage it until Jesus had returned to glory in his ascension.

Our age has cast aside any ‘big picture’, and so lacks a vision of glory. Here in this chapter is a vision for us, as it was a vision for Jesus. History, in the person of Moses the lawgiver, and Elijah the first prophet, is catching up with Jesus – and Jesus is collecting history and fulfilling it. This massive and wonderful picture, with Christ at the heart, is a gift to us and to our generation, and gives the little affairs of today an eternal connection.

PRAY:

Lord Jesus, if we could see you in all your glory, we would throw ourselves in the dirt like your three friends of old. Thank you for finding so many ways to share your risen life with us that keep us safe and standing. Yet today we remember who you are, in the glory of your heavenly Father, and we spend a moment of silence before you...

We thank you for good doctrine, teaching us that you are really God and really one of us, reminding us that history has a purpose, encouraging us to make connections between earth and heaven. May your Spirit help us on today’s journey, for your name’s sake. Amen.