February 19

Matthew 17:1-13 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." 5He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." 6When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." 8And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. (Matt 17:2-8)

Observation

Jesus' transfiguration is a big deal and many would focus on the topic as well. Rightly so! However, I want to discuss about how when Jesus transfigured before Peter, James, and John, the Scripture does not record any reactions from them. However, when God spoke in a voice from a bright cloud, Scripture tells us that they were terrified. Why the difference of reaction?
If I was one of three at the mountain with Jesus when He transfigured, I would have been at least awed, especially seeing two people who have been supposed to have been dead for centuries, if not millenniums.
At the same time, I could see that Peter, James, and John have seen Jesus doing so many miracles that they were already convinced and believed that Jesus was Son of God that nothing He did surprised them any longer, even Transfiguration! I guess you can say that Jesus didn't have the "fresh" and "mysterious" side left to the Three. They had lived, eaten, walked, talked, conversed, slept and hanged together with Jesus and they were so "used" to Jesus. They have been there and done that. This is even though Jesus was the "Son of God" and the "Messiah." How amazing is that!

Application

I wonder, if I am no different from Peter, James, and John at the Transfiguration. Am I also guilty of taking Jesus for granted? How many times have I put Jesus 2nd..... 9th to be more accurate instead of being #1 in my life? I find myself sitting right beside the Three having no reaction about Jesus Transforming, because I have been there and done that.
I may not see Jesus transfiguring in front of my eyes, but I do and will come across many works of God in lives of many people where God is manifested. Oh, I wonder how many times have I failed to even recognize God at work and how God is manifesting Himself all around me? How dull have I become?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your prompting and reminder through these verses. Lord, open my eyes to see; open my hearts to feel; open my ears to hear; open my arms to embrace; and open my mouth to praise you, a wonderful Jesus! Help me to recognize your great works in and around me. Help me to know you and praise and honor you as Great God, an Awesome God, and Loving God everyday of my life. Thank you Lord. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

--Ken Chong