And behold, two men were talking with [Jesus], Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” (Luke 9:32-35)
As we wrap up this section on Jesus transfiguring, there are 3 points we can really glean from it:
A Heavy Sleep
Jesus’ appearance had already changed, but the disciples didn’t see Him standing in glory until they woke up from their heavy sleep. Although this was actually true, physically, of the disciples, the same things rings true in our spiritual states. If we are walking through life in a kind of spiritual sleepy haze, we aren’t going to see Jesus who is with us, and in us through the Holy Spirit.
This was part of the admonishment to the believers in Ephesus, when Paul wrote his letter saying, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:11-17)
These end days we live in are evil, and we need to stay awake with our oil lamps full, being careful to walk in the light of Jesus. If the unfruitful works of darkness don’t stir up a desire for justice, and the grace and mercy of God don’t stir up a desire to worship and reach out, then how likely is one to walk humbly with God, which is good and what the Lord requires?
Don’t let the sleepy haze of this world’s darkness keep you from seeing our glorified Lord Jesus and hearing the voice of God.
Nothing Compares
Even though Moses and Elijah also appeared in glory, the description was that the disciples woke and saw Jesus’ glory and two men with him. Moses and Elijah had been dead for a long while and apparently Peter recognized them because he later suggests making tents for them all. Yet, in the recollection of this event, the remembrance wasn’t first that of Moses and Elijah; it was of seeing Jesus’ glory. This quote by Charles Spurgeon words it so well:
“The apostles saw the greatest of the prophets, and the great law-giver, after whom there was never the like till Christ himself came, yet the inspired record concerning the event is, ‘They saw his glow, and the two men that stood with him.’” (Spurgeon)
God and His glory drive a desire to be in the presence of, and yet a simultaneous fear and reverence in light of. We may see great things in this lifetime, of which include great people of God and great works of God, yet nothing in all of creation will ever compare to seeing God in His glory.
The Overshadowing Cloud
Just like when God’s glory filled the temple, a cloud came and overshadowed them. Yet in the case of the Old Testament priests, who couldn’t even enter the temple because of the glory of the Lord, the disciples were able to enter the cloud. They were afraid, yes, but Jesus was right there with them and they were able to enter through the cloud and heard God’s voice as He made a declaration and command.
This isn’t the first instance of God’s glory being likened to a cloud or smoke in the bible. We see that when the temple was dedicated by Solomon, and when the tabernacle was in the wilderness, and when Isaiah had a vision of the temple, that this was also the case.
As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire descended from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the Temple. The priests could not enter into the Temple because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s Temple (2 Chronicles 7:1-2)
The cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tent. Moses was not able to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tent. Whenever the cloud was lifted up from the tent, the Israelis would set out on their journey, but if the cloud was not lifted up, they would not set out until it was lifted up, since the cloud of the Lord was over the tent by day, and the fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel in all their journeys. (Exodus 40:34-38)
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. (Isaiah 6:1-4)
These disciples got to experience something that Moses longed to see. In Exodus 33, Moses asked to see God’s glory, but God told him he couldn’t see His face and live. He put Moses in the cleft of the rock and secure him with His hand while He passed by and then Moses could see His backside. With Jesus, they saw it and lived.
Apart from Jesus, we could never see the Father, but in Him, as the Father and He are One, we can experience the glory of the Lord. And just as Moses and Elijah appeared in glory, we too shall be changed and appear in glory with Him one day.
The Heart of the Matter
Although we currently see Him only dimly, since we cannot see God face to face now, the time is coming soon and very soon, so we don’t want to be caught up in the things of this world or asleep when our master arrives. And even through we see dimly, it doesn’t stop us from seeking and seeing Him through the lens of His word, in which is found pure joy amidst this evil world.
Ultimately, my friend, we need to stay alert as followers of Jesus sojourning in this dark world, knowing that we look forward to His return one day when we too will be changed and behold His glory face to face, of which nothing can ever compare.