Readings

Exodus 34:29-35

Psalm 99

2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2

Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Peter is excited beyond belief when he sees Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah – two of the greatest figures in the Torah. He is so excited that he wants to build three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (Luke 9:33) to live in as a way to preserve the moment. Three of the greatest men who lived were all-together for a moment in time. Who would not want to preserve the moment?

At some point in our lives, we all have moments where after a long day we close our lives and relive the happiness. These are the moments where the thought of them puts a giant smile on our face, makes our hearts beat faster, and is noticed by everyone who sees us. We wish time could have stood still in that moment.

However, Jesus experiences the moment drastically different than Peter. The anguish of the conversation about his departure from the world (Luke 9:30) weighs Jesus down in the coming weeks, although Jesus’ appearance changed when he was with Moses and Elijah. The glory becomes apparent on Jesus’ face as well as his dazzling white clothes (Luke 9:29). Jesus understands the moment needs to pass and the scriptures need to be fulfilled. As Jesus is praying, Moses and Elijah come to Jesus to discuss his departure from the world (Luke 9:30-31). Jesus is praying for guidance from the ones who have gone before him as he begins the end of the beginning. It is a moment Jesus probably relives in his mind several times during his journey to Jerusalem, although it is not a pleasant conversation with Moses and Elijah by any standards.

Jesus’ conversation with Moses and Elijah gives him the armor to go on the journey to Jerusalem. He glows, like Moses does after he sees the Lord (Luke 9:29). Unlike Moses, Jesus does not cover his face; he wants all who see him to witness the change in him as the Lord claims him as his son.

When Peter suggests build three huts for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, a voice from the clouds said, “No, this is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him.” (Luke 9:35). Peter has earthy ideas where he wants nothing more than to share this glorious moment with others. However, the Lord has other plans for Jesus, his son and chosen one. The Lord has an even larger glorious moment coming that the whole world will witness and take part in. Unfortunately, it will involve pain and anguish to get there, yet it will change our lives forever.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for letting us witness this glorious moment in Jesus’ ministry. Help us to come face-to-face with you to hear your plan for us. Allow us to glow in order to share your glory with others. Remind us to listen to Jesus and to follow his instructions. Thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to lead us to Jerusalem. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. Discuss a memory that always causes you to smile.

2. How do you glow in the world?