Transformed: Embracing God's Light

Matthew 17:1–8 NIV

1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 While he 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!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

The Darkest Places

1. In the 2014 movie, Unbroken, we meet 1936 Olympian Louis Zamperini.

His story as an Olympian is interesting in itself.

But after the Olympics, Zamperini went on to serve in World War II as a B-24 bombadier.

In April 1943, he participated in a mission and was shot down over the Pacific.

He and the two other survivors survived at sea for 47 days and were taken prisoner by the Japanese Navy.

He was beaten severely but was fortunately released in 1945 at the conclusion of the war.

Even so, when he returned home he took to drinking to deal with PTSD.

Then, in 1949, his wife, Cynthia, encouraged him to attend a Billy Graham crusade.

He stated that Graham’s preaching reminded him of his own prayers while stranded at sea.

He gave his life to Christ that day, forgave his captors, and launched a career as a Christian evangelist.

In 1950 he had the opportunity to visit the prison in which he’d been held, and he expressed forgiveness to the guards who had tortured him.

Many of those Guards repented of their sins and received Christ.

Interesting, isn’t it, that the fastest of the fast in human terms met a spiritual darkness that he couldn’t outrun.

Until the light of Christ entered in and gave him strength to forgive his captors.

That’s quite a transformation.

Within the world there are some pretty dark places and experiences.

They can consume us if we aren’t careful, and today’s we are going to consider what it means to allow the light of Christ into those places by considering Christ’s Transfiguration.

If you have your Bibles, I invite you to follow along in Matthew 17:1-8.

Transfiguration

Matthew 17:1–2 NIV

1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.

This passage comes just after Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount.

Now that he has taught people about the Way of God, he demonstrates his authority and connection to God, thereby validating his

Application

Make time to hear God’s voice each day through prayer and Bible reading.

Seek opportunities to serve people in the same way Jesus served us.