Look directly at the SON!
By Pastor Patrick Feldhus, TLHA Chaplain
Luke 9:31-They appeared in glory and were talking about his departure, which he was going to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem. (EHV)
We have been told not to look directly into the sun. It is so powerful that it can destroy our eyes. This becomes apparent when riding into the sun. It is blinding and painful because all you see is the brilliant light. You do everything to block that light from hurting your eyes, sunglasses, your hand, or anything that might do the trick. Even when the sun is blocked by the moon, you still need protection from its powerful rays.
Could this be comparable to the glory the disciples Peter, James, and John saw on the Holy Mountain? They looked at the glory of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Is it surprising that they were terrified and did whatever was in their power to block the light, beaming from that glory? As dazzling and painful as that glory was, this was not the glory that Jesus, Moses, and Elijah were discussing on that mountain. The fullest extent of Jesus’ glory would be seen on a different mountain top. Jesus’ glory was all about fulfilling the Father’s promise by giving up his life on the cross.
As difficult as it might be, God wants us to look directly at the SON. It might not hurt us physically, but it hurts us in an emotional and spiritual way. It may even cause us to look away in terror and shame. When we gaze upon the SON on the cross, we see the price needed to take our sins away. We see the curse and wrath of God that we deserve. We see the innocent die for the guilty. But God wants us to look directly at the SON. However, he does not want us to see our terror and shame, he wants us to see his Son’s glory. He wants us to celebrate the glory of his unconditional love.
Do not look away but take in all that glory. It is that glory that has opened the way to see the dazzling glory that Peter, James, and John were privileged to see. However, when we look on his future glory, we will not be afraid. In fact, we will shine with him like Moses and Elijah, when we enter his glory. We can be certain of this because of Jesus’ glory coming from the cross.
Dear glorious Savior, we thank you for fulfilling your Father’s plan to rescue us from our sin and its curse. Let us continue to look to you for the glory of forgiveness and eternal life so that one day we will look upon your heavenly glory without fear. In your name we pray. Amen!