April 30th, 20

APRIL 30,  He Has the Final Word

II Samuel 6, I Chronicles 13, Psalm 68 and Matthew 17

The pathway to real transfiguration, real transformation, is found here on this mountain.  We see this in our Gospel reading.

This story is about far more than Jesus’ clothes being transformed, made dazzling white, whiter than snow.  It’s about you and me being transformed. In this story we are offered a pathway, a model. The first thing we see is that Jesus has the final word, not Elijah or Moses, or Peter; and not me or you. Peter witnesses this amazing moment.  Suddenly Elijah and Moses are speaking with Jesus. And Peter, out of his own fear or pride, maybe both, shouts out,

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Mt 17:4 NASB)

Peter thinks he has the final word here, “I will make”.  Other translations render it, Let us build.  But let us build is not the final word.  No, those words are often born out of fear and pride and they will never be the final word.  Individuals and kingdoms are always offering this as the final word. Let us Build.  But  fear which makes us cower, and pride which puffs us up, will all be subsumed in the end, by God’s voice - His word We see that here.  Suddenly a cloud envelopes them.  And ultimately, they are touched by Jesus. The voice that they hear is God the Father saying, 

“This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” (Mt 17:5 NLT)

At the sound of his voice they are terrified.  They fall face down on the ground.  It’s at this point that Jesus touches them and tells them Get up...Don’t be afraid. (Mt 17:7 NLT)

When they look up nobody is there but Jesus.  Moses and Elijah are gone.  Only Jesu remains- no more voices or conversations.  Only Jesus, the one who has the final word, remains.  After he touches them he tells them,

“Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (Mt 17:9 NLT)

God’s Word envelopes our fearful pride. His voice breaks through. When we are confronted by God’s Word we are given a pathway for real transformation.  

Hear the Father’s voice today.  Jesus’ words are pointing beyond our fear and pride. They’re pointing to what Christ has done, not just on this mountain, but on a different mountain.  They’re pointing to Calvary’s mountain, and the work that He has accomplished for you and me there.  He has made life possible for us on Calvary’s mountain, by offering his life for you and me on the Cross. His final words on that Cross were, It is finished. (Jn 19:30 NLT)

Live today in light of the One who has finished it all for you and for me, the one who has the final word.  He is the One who can truly transform the human life from the inside out.  Live with Him, in him and because of Him today. Let him have the final word as He changes you with His Word.  

You are loved!