Matthew 17:1-13; Psalm 118:10-29

Matthew 17:1-13
Matthew 16 records Jesus predicting His death and resurrection. Perhaps the disciples were a little discouraged or confused by this. After all, they were expecting Jesus to set up His kingdom on earth as promised by the Old Testament prophets. They did not really comprehend that His kingdom would come later. Matthew 17 opens with a scene which we now call the transfiguration. Our English word "metamorphosis" comes from the word transfiguration. An example of metamorphosis is a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. It is a total change which comes from within the caterpillar. The transfiguration is the glory of the Lord shining from within. As far as the Bible has revealed it, this is the only time in His earthly ministry when Jesus allowed this glory to shine forth.

Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him to a mountain top. "There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus." Moses represents the Old Testament law which Jesus came to fulfill, and Elijah represents the Old Testament prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah.

Peter suggested putting up three "shelters" to memorialize this scene, but apparently this was not God's plan because even as he was speaking, "a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" The voice of God the Father gave authority to the fact that Jesus was no mere mortal, but that He truly is the Son of God. Upon hearing these words, the terrified disciples fell face down to the ground. Jesus told them to get up and not be afraid. When they arose, only Jesus was left. Jesus instructed them not to tell anyone of this experience until after His resurrection. Perhaps He realized that they didn't yet fully realize the significance of all that would take place. In fact, the question they asked shows that they didn't even fully understand what had already happened--the fact that John the Baptist represented the prophet Elijah by proclaiming the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, and warning the people to repent of their sins.

The transfiguration seems to be a glimpse of what believers will see when Jesus returns to set up His kingdom on earth and then when we spend all eternity with Him in Glory.

Psalm 118:10-29
The psalmist speaks of being surrounded by enemies, but the Lord helped him. "The Lord is my strength and my song." v. 14  "The Lord's right hand is lifted high; the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!" v. 16  The psalmist admits that God used the trial as correction, but he does not fail to give thanks. vv. 19, 21. It's very hard to be thankful to the Lord when things are hard, but we must remember that God is working for our good and His glory. "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. v. 24

For our meditation:  "You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 118:28-29.