February 2025
Dear Friends,
“And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, He took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29 And as He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white and glistering. 30 And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and they that were with Him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw His glory, and the two men that stood with Him. 33 And it came to pass, as they departed from Him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. 34 While He thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. 35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him. 36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.” Luke 9:28-36 As the season of Epiphany draws to a close, the church historically celebrates the festival of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. Since the season of Epiphany is focused on how God makes His Son Jesus known to the world, it is fitting that we would be directed to the Transfiguration event. As Jesus is praying on the mountain, the disciples witness a dramatic change in His appearance. Not only does the clothing of Jesus appear dazzling white, but as Matthew records, “…His face did shine like the sun.” Amazingly, Jesus is talking with Moses and Elijah, two of the great heroes of the Old Testament. Peter is so stunned by what He sees, that tells Jesus that they can build three tabernacles, one for each of these great prophets: Moses, Elijah and Christ, Himself. Peter, James and John become terrified when a cloud came and overshadowed them. The voice of God, the Father now makes the startling announcement “This is My beloved Son: hear Him.” As the disciples lift up their eyes, they only see Jesus. Moses and Elijah are gone. What does this all mean? Of first significance is that the disciples have been given a glimpse of the glory of Christ in His transfigured appearance. Second is the presence of Moses and Elijah. Moses as the deliverer of the law, and Elijah as the representative of the great prophets of God. Their disappearance means that Jesus is now the One to whom we should listen as the greatest of the prophets. Christ has come to fulfill the law and the prophets. Most importantly, is the declaration of God the Father. Jesus is not merely a great prophet, but His Son; the Messiah who would come to save His people from their sins by way of the Cross. This is precisely what Moses, Elijah and Jesus were talking about on the mountain. Moses and Elijah “…appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.” The great prophets are speaking about the single greatest event in human history; the death and Resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The message of God the Father is just as much for us. God not only declares Jesus to be His Son, but that we should also listen to Him. “In Christ alone, our hope is found”, as the song writer has said. May God grant us ears to hear and hearts to believe the beautiful message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
God bless you!
Yours in Christ,
Chuck Bylkas
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