Now it came to pass, [after six days* or] about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah [Revelations 11:1-14], who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. (Luke 9:28-31; Matthew 17:1-3*; Mark 9:2-4*)
What a beautiful picture! Ever wonder what happens to people who died before Jesus was born and able to die for the sins of the world (John 3:17; I John 2:2)? For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham [and many others] believed God, and it was accounted to him [and them] for righteousness.” (Romans 4:3) These [Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab the harlot, Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets, and many others] all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. (Hebrews 11:13-16, 39-40)
Let's not fool ourselves or become "high minded"! The majority of people have a problem believing that Jesus is the "only" way to be saved, but Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6) You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. (John 5:39) And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22; Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11) What we have to realize is God doesn't need anyone to help Him get His Word to anyone! Men know about God. He has made it plain to them. Men cannot say they do not know about God. From the beginning of the world, men could see what God is like through the things He has made. This shows His power that lasts forever. It shows that He is God. (Romans 1:19-20 NLV)
But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master [Lord*, Rabbi*], it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. (Luke 9:32-33; Matthew 17:4*; Mark 9:5-6*) Just like Peter, so many of us feel we "have to do something" for God, to help get His Word out. Just like Christ Jesus lights is shining before them during this experience, all we have to do is Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) If all of us who profess to be Christians would behave and live as God's Word commands us to, and allow God's Holy Spirit to lead us in where we go and what we do, that would be the best witness this world could ever have.
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” (Matthew 17:5-9; Luke 9:34-36; Mark 9:7-9) So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. (Mark 9:10) Yet again, just as God gave confirmation at Jesus' baptism, which confirmed His prophecy, “I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. (Psalm 2:7); He is giving confirmation again that Christ Jesus is His Son, the promised Messiah (Daniel 9).
And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished [as it is written of him*]. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands [that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt*].” (Matthew 17:10-12; Mark 9:11-13*) Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:13) God told Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, ...and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:13, 15-17; see THE GOSPEL: John the Baptiser) Let's make sure we're ready! ...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
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