How would you react to seeing Jesus transformed in front of you? In our world, today, can we see Jesus? It's an excellent question to ask, isn't it?
In the gospel Matthew 17:1-3 we hear about the transfiguration. After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then, there appeared before them Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus.
Luke tells us a little differently, they were up on the mountain, but the three disciples were sleeping. So when they woke up, it took a while for them to realize what was happening, but can you imagine? Waking up to see two people they grew up hearing about, Moses and Elijah: the law and the prophet side by side with Jesus. They were all very nervous, and Peter just started to ramble. Have you ever done that? Just get so nervous, you start to go on about something. That's what Peter was doing; what he was saying was putting Jesus equal to Moses and Elijah. God shut that down very quickly. You get the impression that God needed them to snap out of it. It says in Matthew 17:5 that While he (Peter) 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!"
God wants us to listen to Jesus. Why? Because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We need to listen to his stories and learn his ways. We will not get to our eternal life in heaven by following Moses, Elijah, or anyone in this world. We will get there by following Jesus.
Can we see Jesus today in others? Yes, it's in a hug, taking a moment to listen to someone, and not being offended quickly by what someone is saying. So yes, we can see Jesus in the kindness of others. It becomes so apparent when disasters happen, like the one in East Palestine, Ohio. People are stepping up and helping in ways they didn't know they could or would, taking people into their homes because these people are too scared to go back to their own homes. In time we will learn more stories of how God has inspired people to move unimaginably.
Do you take advantage of opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus? Acting on these moments might take some reminding, but we can do it. We need to remember whose we are and why we are here. You too can be transformed if you'll let him.
Let's pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you, Lord, for all you do for us. Thank you that your Word guides and transforms us. You gave us such a great role model, Jesus shows us how to be loving and kind. Thank you, Lord, that we can follow in his footsteps and be his hands and feet. In Jesus Holy name we pray. Amen
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