February 18th was Transfiguration Sunday. Matthew, in chapter 17 verses 1 through 13 tells the story of Jesus on a mountaintop being transfigured. Transfigured means transforming into something more beautiful or elevated. Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up to a high mountain to be by themselves. Matthew tells us that Jesus transfigured before them and his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. Additionally, verse 3 says, “behold, there appeared to them, Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus.” Peter thinks this is pretty cool. In fact, he thinks they should build tents for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus and just stay there. Then in verse 5 a cloud overshadowed them all and from the cloud, they could hear a voice say, “this is my son, whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” Matthew 17:9
Asbury University has had quite an interesting couple of weeks. In many ways, we have gone to the mountaintop and have been with Jesus. And many of us are like Peter, we want to build a booth for Jesus to stay in so we can remain forever on top of the mountain experiencing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In reality, maybe it’s time to come down from the mountaintop and take the messages to a hungry world. Now is the time to proclaim.
Remember, the bright cloud that overshadowed them all and the voice coming from the cloud that said this is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to him. It’s time to come down from our mountaintop experience and take the message of these days to a world that is desperate to hear them. It’s time for a commissioning service. This is the vision of Dr. Kevin Brown President of Asbury University and I agree. It is time to let Jesus shine in all His transfigured glory through his witnesses who have been to the mountaintop. It is time to let Jesus Shine
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord and let there be light
By Graham Kendrick
*Shine Jesus Shine*. Beautiful!! I look forward to being in the presence of Jesus~as you said on the mountain top experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. I have experience many times in a intimate time with Him. When I feel low or anxious I hold those times to recall & I am lifted up Bless you dear Doug
ReplyDelete