Spiritual Experience
Scripture Reading — Luke 9:27-36
“Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:27
Today, as we watch the transfiguration of Jesus, we glimpse the glory of God.
Imagine the spiritual experience this was for the disciples! They saw Moses and Elijah, representatives of the Old Testament law and prophets. And they heard God’s voice endorsing Jesus’ mission: “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” They truly saw a glimpse of heaven, the kingdom of God.
Why would Jesus’ transfiguration be important for the disciples? Even though it was confusing, this was probably a huge comfort to them. The disciples were very discouraged when Jesus told them he would have to suffer and die. The transfiguration would help his disciples look beyond what seemed to them a meaningless death. The transfiguration would comfort his anxious followers through a glimpse of resurrection glory.
Amazingly, we share in this glory of our Savior. In Philippians 3:20 we are told that “our citizenship is in heaven.” And even now, Paul tells us, we “are being transformed into [Christ’s] image with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). That transformation is a life that reflects Christ’s character and the power of his Spirit. Our transformation allows us even now to overcome adversity and to pass on to others the gospel message—to live a life that is truly changed.
Lord, help us to testify to your holiness, confess our sins, and receive forgiveness so that we can be used by you to do good. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Jang Ho Park
Jang Ho Park is a pastor in Tacoma, Washington. He and his wife, Jong Boon, have two sons.
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