Devo Week 13

Mount of Transfiguration - Listen to Him

Jesus is to be the author and finisher of the faith for all nations! As all nations listen to Him, transformation will take place. Transformation is to be our focus as the Gospel is spread to every people group. Our end goal is introducing and cultivating a relationship with Jesus Christ through whom the glory of God is released and will fill the earth as the waters cover the seas.

Key Concept: Transformation

The idea of transformation is like that of metamorphosis, when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. The earthbound creature changes with striking beauty and the ability to fly. This story of Jesus and His disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration was the breaking of the cocoon -- the transition from the Old Testament (OT) to the New. Before, life was one of covenants, priesthood, prophets, kings and Jewish feasts. Now, a transfiguration had taken place right before their eyes.

Moses and Elijah represented the law and the prophets. Through Moses, Israel had been delivered from Egypt, given the Ten Commandments, the Tabernacle, the priesthood and the feasts of the Lord. Through Elijah, Israel had experienced the greatest OT prophet who bypassed death and was taken to heaven. The OT was a good foundation of human relationship with God, but humanity needed a Messiah and a personal relationship for transformation. The New Covenant which was dawning through Jesus is far superior to the Old Covenant as the climax of God's purposes through a relationship with the Messiah. Transformation is a key marker of this New Covenant.

Suddenly, a change had taken place between humanity and God through the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus had fulfilled the OT law and the prophets and given us an eternal King. His first sermon in Isaiah 61:1-2 was a recounting of the butterfly transformation. Jesus taught Nicodemus about the new birth. The message of the NT brought transformation, not just information. Where the OT was more about faith guided by rules and rituals, the NT was an encounter with its Author.

This fulfillment of the old with the birthing of the new will take place among all nations, and as it does, a new expression will come forth. This new expression will be the presence of Jesus dwelling among all nations. What Good News!

Key Word Definition: transfigure (verb)

-- transform into something more beautiful or elevated.

Excerpt from Devotional 13 with highlighted word:

“Mountaintop experiences are rare. But, when they happen, things change -- especially our perspective. For Peter, James and John, their lives would never be the same. Not only had Jesus been transfigured before them, they had witnessed the appearance of Moses and Elijah, two of their most revered ancestors.”

Scripture: Mark 9:7

“Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (NIV)