The Transfiguration: A Forward Looking Story

Imagine a Good Book (Only One Chapter Repeated) (New Plot Each Chapter)

What Does It Mean to Be Forward Looking?

Mark 9:2–4 ESV

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.

Jesus’ story continues the story that came before it.

Forward Looking (Not Heresy)

(Progressive Clip)

To be Forward Looking does not mean dismissing the Scriptures or the story that comes before us.

Mark 9:5–8 ESV

And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.

Jesus’ story continues the story that came before it.

(Not Traditionalism) Forward Looking (Not Heresy)

(Traditionalism Clip)

To be Forward Looking does not mean reliving the good old days that preceded us.

Acts 1:6 ESV

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

Acts 1:7–8 ESV

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:9–11 ESV

And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Christianity has always been a Forward Looking faith.

When you are in Christ, your story has a next chapter.