Listen to Him

The transfiguration of Jesus is a significant event recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9). The Church celebrates and remembers this event on August 6th. Although we don’t have a special service to commemorate it, it is certainly something worth thinking about.

Jesus took His inner circle of disciples, Peter, James, and John, and went up a high mountain. While they were there, Christ was transfigured before them. His glory shone through His humanity, and His face was altered (Luke 9:29). Moses and Elijah also appeared with Him, apparently representing the Law and the Prophets.

The three disciples were overwhelmed and enveloped by a cloud. Luke tells us that they were frightened (Luke 9:34). Then a voice came from the cloud and said, “This is my Son, my Beloved. Listen to him!” (Luke 9:35).

God the Father stamped His approval on the life and ministry of Christ, His Son. Jesus is more important than the Law and the Prophets represented by Moses and Elijah. Of course, we are supposed to listen to them, but Christ has the priority. Let’s listen to Him!

Beloved, as we listen to Christ, we too will be transfigured, or transformed, if you will. Paul said, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

As we listen to Christ by reading His Word and putting it into practice, we are transformed into His image. We are changed by the power of the Holy Spirit as we listen to His holy Word.

As we remember the transfiguration this August, may we take the Father’s words to heart: “Listen to Him.” As we listen to Christ through His Word and allow His Spirit to transform us, we come to know Him more deeply. As we are changed by Him, our lives help make Him known to those around us.

To know Christ and make Him known.

~ Pastor Ken Lang