Jesus, Our Morning Star

Jesus led his closest disciples up a mountain.

Peter, James, and John

This scene reminiscent of Moses ascending the mountain to receive the law of God.

Something strange happened on this mountain.

Jesus changed in a way that made him shine like the sun.

Even his clothes became bright as light

And, Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus

Moses represented the revelation of God’s law

Elijah represented the revelation of God through the prophets

A bright cloud surrounded them

A voice from heaven spoke emphatically

No wonder the disciples fell to the ground overcome by fear

Who wouldn’t be overwhelmed with awe at such a display of power

Peter was certainly felt the importance of the moment when he suggested that they could erect tents for Moses, Elijah, and a place for Jesus and the disciples.

Suggestion of making tents called back to the Tabernacle of the Exodus

The Tabernacle was the place where the Hebrews went to meet with God

Peter felt that this moment deserved to be prolonged, that they could stay there for a time, feeling enraptured in the moment.

Who is Jesus that he should be represented this way.

We often miss the significance or the opportunity to praise while we struggle to understand.

It’s as if our vision is “clouded” by all we have previously experienced. By all we have come to “know”

But, this is not about knowledge; it is about faith.

This is about what/whom we declare our allegiance to and put our hope in.

We can’t put our hope in something/someone that we don’t know.

That’s why God reveals himself to us.

Jesus is who he is.

When you truly are something, you don’t have to prove it to anyone, you just are.

In the moment that he is transformed, He no longer looks only like a servant or prophet of God.

His true nature is not concealed but revealed as the perfecter of the faith.

Jesus did not reveal himself or try to prove to others that he was the Christ, Messiah

He did not have to.

Peter claimed to be an eyewitness to the “majesty” of Jesus Christ, who “received honor and glory from God the Father.” – 2 Peter 1:16-21

Now, they heard the voice, later, they saw the results upon Christ’s resurrection.

Peter also admonished believers to “be attentive” to the message confirmed in Christ like “a lamp in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

Peter reminds believers in Christ that no prophecy is a matter for one person to interpret, because God is the one gave them the message.

God, the Father revealed who Christ is to his disciples.

While the appearance of Moses and Elijah, the cloud and the light emphasized the importance of the moment, there seemed to be a need for God to speak.

He interrupted Peter to claim Jesus as his Son, called him his Beloved, and told the disciples to listen to him.

Jesus is who he said he is, a suffering Messiah & beloved Son of the Father.

No wonder the disciples became afraid because of the sheer power of God that was on display. (The power of the true powerful nature and beloved-ness of Jesus)

Jesus was passive until they became afraid, and he gave them courage and strength to rise again.

But no one else would be ready to hear about this moment until Christ’s resurrection. Then it all would make sense.

Jesus shines like a lamp in a dark place, and so will his disciples because of him.

As Peter said, Jesus is the Morning Star that rises in your heart.

This is whom God commands, “Listen to him.”

Do you want to hear from God? Listen to Jesus.

The Holy Spirit’s presence in the lives of those who believe in Jesus Christ bears witness to his words. They live in us.

“We are the evidence that our faith is true and our God is at work in the world.”

“We are now the Epiphany, the light shining for the world to see.”

Of course, our light may sometimes dim.

Nevertheless, how we navigate the darkness with even a flicker of light attracts the gaze of others.

We become a living sign of the presence of God, giving a glimpse of his kingdom.