The Message of the Transfiguration...

[Edward]

So when the three Apostles went with Jesus up the mountain and beheld Him in a transfigured state...what was the message there?

I think the transfiguration was the message. It makes so much sense to me. We will see Him as He is, for we shall be like Him. But! We are to start now, are we not? We are to be as Jesus was/is. To walk as He did. To have authority. To have relationship with Him and intimacy.

We were created in Gods image. Instructed to never take our eyes from Him...be like Him. This is our identity and our destiny. Ministry means nothing now. I'm not saying that it isn't good, for it got us to where we are. But we are to develop relationship with the person Jesus and become friends...His Bride even. Do you talk to Him like a servant or like a bride? lol.

Do you think I'm full of it? Shoot holes in it. Discuss, brothers and sisters...

 

[Angel]

I believe that the power of the Holy Spirit is within me, and that He will give me the strength I need to do what He asks.

 

[Edward]

I agree with that. Do you think I missed anything considering the transfiguration?

We will be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and yet are promised the renewing of our mind, heart and spirit and that begins now. From the presence of the Lord or His Holy Spirit I believe. When He comes in...iniquity is pushed out...light has a way of doing that to the darkness.

 

[agua.]

I think the Transfiguration was a witness/preview to Peter and the SoT about the coming Kingdom of God and a revelation of the resurrection. ( Yahweh is a God of the living not the dead)

Mat 16:21 KJV From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Mat 16:27-28 KJV For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. (28) Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Jesus was trying to show the Apostles that not only would rise from the dead after He was Crucified but that all Saints would be with Him at the resurrection when His Kingdom would be fully realised. Like you said Ed we will see Him as He is.

 

[Edward]

Mat 16:27-28 KJV For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. (28) Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Now that's interesting brother and just makes my heart go fast this morning. Works. I think that is highly misunderstood in this context. Most would think that works be what we do. I don't think so. Works in this context means faith in action. We should do nothing of ourselves but look to the Lord. He is the head. We are the body and follow the head and His instruction. Merely a conduit for Gods power to flow. This is why faith without works is dead. Because we would have faith without action, which would serve to disrupt the flow of Gods power and even His will to accomplish His will. One can almost substitute the word faith for works here without losing the meaning, for without the works (action) what have we but mere assent?

Sometimes I wake up and think what can I do for the Lord today? But that isn't right! That would make me the Head to choose to do what I wish and not the Head. Ohhh. Is this where modern Christians have it all wrong? It should be, what does the Lord want to do today? Whoops, looking at the Head now, aren't we? Looking up to the Lord and not down at ourselves. Jesus said that He will guide our path and makes our ways straight that we not fall. So then, where does that bring us? What do you want to do today Lord? Huh. Relationship. Identity. Conversation. Humbleness. Walking with God.

Awesome. Praise the Lord. This also throws knowledge out the window. Reading the bible to gain knowledge of the Lord is not enough, for we must enter into a friend relationship and look to Him for direction, trusting in Him that wherever He takes us, He will see us through it. That's how giants get slayed.

 

[Edward]

When I first met my ex-wife, she knew about 6 words of english. We could hardly talk. All I knew is that I liked her. We entered into a relationship and paid attention to each other. Within 6 months, she still knew very little english and yet I could tell her thoughts, and she could mine also. Hows this you say? We entered into each other and love grew. We began to know each other by spirit rather than by words.

Love does that, and what is God but love? In Christ, and Christ in me...There's your transfiguration! THAT is what we have to do with Christ. This is NOT a knowledge thing, it is a Love thing, a relationship thing. Knowing the Lord in spirit. When Christ comes into us...there's a connection with the spirit and He leaves a mark upon it, replacing a little bit of our being (a re-newing!) A little bit at a time, encouraging us to continue this relationship.

I bet that's what blessings are all about. It's not about helping us but about trying to get our attention on Him. To keep our attention on Him. I bet Jesus doesn't even care about giving us things, food, pay your rent. Ha! The riches of the Kingdom are endless, He walks on streets of gold! Would you get your wife/husband/girlfriend a sandwich? Without thought you would, that's nothing. The love is the goal, the relationship. Getting to know one another in spirit, not in knowledge.

That's it then. This puts ministry and doctrine out the window. It was good, for it brought us to where we are, to love. To relationship. To knowing the Lord in Spirit and in truth. I want to know the Lord in Spirit. I do some for I hear Him at times. I have a teeny portion of the mind of Christ, but not enough. This is how one knows the thoughts of the spouse. Having their mind and spirit within you. He tells us all through scripture...live for the Spirit, live for the Spirit, live for the Spirit.

Praise the Lord for revelation.

 

[JLB]

So when the three Apostles went with Jesus up the mountain and beheld Him in a transfigured state...what was the message there?

I think the transfiguration was the message. It makes so much sense to me. We will see Him as He is, for we shall be like Him. But! We are to start now, are we not? We are to be as Jesus was/is. To walk as He did. To have authority. To have relationship with Him and intimacy.

We were created in Gods image. Instructed to never take our eyes from Him...be like Him. This is our identity and our destiny. Ministry means nothing now. I'm not saying that it isn't good, for it got us to where we are. But we are to develop relationship with the person Jesus and become friends...His Bride even. Do you talk to Him like a servant or like a bride? lol.

Do you think I'm full of it? Shoot holes in it. Discuss, brothers and sisters...

For as we behold Him, we are transformed into His Image.


Amen

 

[agua.]

Now that's interesting brother and just makes my heart go fast this morning. Works. I think that is highly misunderstood in this context. Most would think that works be what we do. I don't think so. Works in this context means faith in action. We should do nothing of ourselves but look to the Lord. He is the head. We are the body and follow the head and His instruction. Merely a conduit for Gods power to flow. This is why faith without works is dead. Because we would have faith without action, which would serve to disrupt the flow of Gods power and even His will to accomplish His will. One can almost substitute the word faith for works here without losing the meaning, for without the works (action) what have we but mere assent?

Sometimes I wake up and think what can I do for the Lord today? But that isn't right! That would make me the Head to choose to do what I wish and not the Head. Ohhh. Is this where modern Christians have it all wrong? It should be, what does the Lord want to do today? Whoops, looking at the Head now, aren't we? Looking up to the Lord and not down at ourselves. Jesus said that He will guide our path and makes our ways straight that we not fall. So then, where does that bring us? What do you want to do today Lord? Huh. Relationship. Identity. Conversation. Humbleness. Walking with God.

Awesome. Praise the Lord. This also throws knowledge out the window. Reading the bible to gain knowledge of the Lord is not enough, for we must enter into a friend relationship and look to Him for direction, trusting in Him that wherever He takes us, He will see us through it. That's how giants get slayed.

You got me stumped Ed what does anything you said here have to do with the Transfiguration ?

 

[iLOVE]

Question: "What was the meaning and importance of the transfiguration?"

Answer: About a week after Jesus plainly told His disciples that He would suffer, be killed, and be raised to life (Luke 9:22), He took Peter, James and John up a mountain to pray. While praying, His personal appearance was changed into a glorified form, and His clothing became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus about His death that would soon take place. Peter, not knowing what he was saying and being very fearful, offered to put up three shelters for them. This is undoubtedly a reference to the booths that were used to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, when the Israelites dwelt in booths for 7 days (Lev. 23:34–42). Peter was expressing a wish to stay in that place. When a cloud enveloped them, a voice said, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen, whom I love; listen to Him!” The cloud lifted, Moses and Elijah had disappeared, and Jesus was alone with His disciples who were still very much afraid. Jesus warned them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after His resurrection. The three accounts of this event are found in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36.

Undoubtedly, the purpose of the transfiguration of Christ into at least a part of His heavenly glory was so that the “inner circle” of His disciples could gain a greater understanding of who Jesus was. Christ underwent a dramatic change in appearance in order that the disciples could behold Him in His glory. The disciples, who had only known Him in His human body, now had a greater realization of the deity of Christ, though they could not fully comprehend it. That gave them the reassurance they needed after hearing the shocking news of His coming death.

Symbolically, the appearance of Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets. But God’s voice from heaven – “Listen to Him!” - clearly showed that the Law and the Prophets must give way to Jesus. The One who is the new and living way is replacing the old – He is the fulfillment of the Law and the countless prophecies in the Old Testament. Also, in His glorified form they saw a preview of His coming glorification and enthronement as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The disciples never forgot what happened that day on the mountain and no doubt this was intended. John wrote in his gospel, “We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only” (John 1:14). Peter also wrote of it, “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain” (2 Peter 1:16-18). Those who witnessed the transfiguration bore witness to it to the other disciples and to countless millions down through the centuries.


Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/transfiguration.html#ixzz31MFLRGiL

 

[iLOVE]

So when the three Apostles went with Jesus up the mountain and beheld Him in a transfigured state...what was the message there?

I think the transfiguration was the message. It makes so much sense to me. We will see Him as He is, for we shall be like Him. But! We are to start now, are we not? We are to be as Jesus was/is. To walk as He did. To have authority. To have relationship with Him and intimacy.

We were created in Gods image. Instructed to never take our eyes from Him...be like Him. This is our identity and our destiny. Ministry means nothing now. I'm not saying that it isn't good, for it got us to where we are. But we are to develop relationship with the person Jesus and become friends...His Bride even. Do you talk to Him like a servant or like a bride? lol.

Do you think I'm full of it? Shoot holes in it. Discuss, brothers and sisters...

Excellent subject matter Edward!!!!!!!

 

[Edward]

You got me stumped Ed what does anything you said here have to do with the Transfiguration ?

It doesn't brother, but what you wrote to me made my mind click coupled with something I had read in one of my morning devotions from that day and some things fell into place for me because of what you said about works, so...thanks brother!

 

[Edward]

[QUOTESymbolically, the appearance of Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets. But God’s voice from heaven – “Listen to Him!” - clearly showed that the Law and the Prophets must give way to Jesus. The One who is the new and living way is replacing the old – He is the fulfillment of the Law and the countless prophecies in the Old Testament. Also, in His glorified form they saw a preview of His coming glorification and enthronement as King of kings and Lord of lords.][/QUOTE]

Exactly, brother. Good point. Listen to Him...Not study the scriptures daily (though we should for guidance) but listen to Him. He will speak to us. Himself or through His Holy Spirit, especially when we pray I have noticed. I used to think that we speak to the Lord through prayer, and He speaks to us through His word, and while this is certainly true, it is by no means an absolute. My sheep hear my voice, this is more literal than people realize. And this Love God with all your heart commandment is in no way a two way street between us and Him. There are multitudes of branches which include all of our fellow men. We are the conduit of the Lords river of life and power. As we develop in relationship and keep focused solely upon the Lord and He comes into us, this is to be automatically extended as love to everyone we come into contact with. God is love and we are to walk in the Lord and allow His love flow through us unto everyone and shine as a light unto the world. More of a message about the Lord can be given to all than any amount of words could ever hope to accomplish. This is also why we are instructed to love our enemies and not return evil for the evil that people bring upon us. For this is the mind of Christ. This is walking with the Lord. Just as He does.Our renewing and transfiguration is upon us and all we have to do is to humble ourselves and receive it.

All of this is already promised, paid for, and given. We are the ones who block it with our pride and fail to receive it. All has been given to us already. Just stand down and receive it. Look to our Lord in faith and let Him do what He wants to do.

Excellent subject matter Edward!!!!!!!

Thank you brother, I thought so too.

 

[agua.]

Exactly, brother. Good point. Listen to Him...Not study the scriptures daily (though we should for guidance) but listen to Him. He will speak to us. Himself or through His Holy Spirit, especially when we pray I have noticed. I used to think that we speak to the Lord through prayer, and He speaks to us through His word, and while this is certainly true, it is by no means an absolute. My sheep hear my voice, this is more literal than people realize. And this Love God with all your heart commandment is in no way a two way street between us and Him. There are multitudes of branches which include all of our fellow men. We are the conduit of the Lords river of life and power. As we develop in relationship and keep focused solely upon the Lord and He comes into us, this is to be automatically extended as love to everyone we come into contact with. God is love and we are to walk in the Lord and allow His love flow through us unto everyone and shine as a light unto the world. More of a message about the Lord can be given to all than any amount of words could ever hope to accomplish. This is also why we are instructed to love our enemies and not return evil for the evil that people bring upon us. For this is the mind of Christ. This is walking with the Lord. Just as He does.Our renewing and transfiguration is upon us and all we have to do is to humble ourselves and receive it.

All of this is already promised, paid for, and given. We are the ones who block it with our pride and fail to receive it. All has been given to us already. Just stand down and receive it. Look to our Lord in faith and let Him do what He wants to do.

Listen to Him...Not study the scriptures daily (though we should for guidance) but listen to Him. He will speak to us. Himself or through His Holy Spirit, especially when we pray I have noticed. I used to think that we speak to the Lord through prayer, and He speaks to us through His word, and while this is certainly true, it is by no means an absolute. My sheep hear my voice, this is more literal than people realize. And this Love God with all your heart commandment is in no way a two way street between us and Him.

Well said Ed our faith is in a living God and He is our constant companion and speaks to us in real time situations ! One thing though that pops into my mind is that we can sometimes get a bit carried away with ourselves and think Yahweh is telling us stuff that contradicts scripture. Do you think Yahweh will ever do this ?

 

[Edward]

Well said Ed our faith is in a living God and He is our constant companion and speaks to us in real time situations ! One thing though that pops into my mind is that we can sometimes get a bit carried away with ourselves and think Yahweh is telling us stuff that contradicts scripture. Do you think Yahweh will ever do this ?

No, I don't think God would ever do this. He means what He says and says what He means and He does not change.

 

[for_his_glory]

Matthew 17:1-7
Jesus took Peter, James and John up into the mountains where God revealed to them that Jesus truly was/is the true Messiah come as foretold by Moses in obedience to the laws of God and Elijah who represented that of John the Baptist who prepared the way of the Lord.

Notice in verse 5 that God overshadowed Peter, James and John with a cloud just as He did with Moses as no one can see the brightness of God and live, but through the overshadowing of the cloud God spoke to them to let them know for a surety that Jesus is His beloved son in whom He is well pleased in. Remember, the disciples only saw Jesus as a prophet teacher, but had no clue that he truly was the son of God as the Holy Spirit had not yet fell on them. Now we have the Holy Spirit that transfigures Christ before us to know for a surety that He truly is the son of God who was sent into the word not only as a prophet teacher, but also redeemer.

 

[Edward]

Well said Ed our faith is in a living God and He is our constant companion and speaks to us in real time situations ! One thing though that pops into my mind is that we can sometimes get a bit carried away with ourselves and think Yahweh is telling us stuff that contradicts scripture. Do you think Yahweh will ever do this ?

Brother, ever since I read this post of yours, it has been nagging my mind just a wee bit. What was your train of thought when you posed that question? Do you think I have posted something incorrect or carried away with something? I don't like to be wrong and am teachable and you have me a little curious here, lol. Feel free to take this to PM if you think it would be more appropriate. Thanks brother.

 

[agua.]

Brother, ever since I read this post of yours, it has been nagging my mind just a wee bit. What was your train of thought when you posed that question? Do you think I have posted something incorrect or carried away with something? I don't like to be wrong and am teachable and you have me a little curious here, lol. Feel free to take this to PM if you think it would be more appropriate. Thanks brother.

Oh dear what did i do :D No Ed I don't think you posted something incorrect. I added my comment because I've noticed there's a growing number of Christians who think the Bible is subject to our personal revelation. ie. What we feel God is saying to us is correct even if it conflicts with scripture. Sorry about that there wasn't any veiled correction just a random comment that popped into my mind.

 

[Edward]

Oh dear what did i do :biggrin No Ed I don't think you posted something incorrect. I added my comment because I've noticed there's a growing number of Christians who think the Bible is subject to our personal revelation. ie. What we feel God is saying to us is correct even if it conflicts with scripture. Sorry about that there wasn't any veiled correction just a random comment that popped into my mind.

Oh ok, thanks brother. i write random thoughts that pop up from time to time also. It is a shame that many think the bible is what they want it to say rather than what it is. It is what it is, a love story from front to back. Not all of it is happy thoughts, but then again, we are in training and these things must be. It can be scary sometimes to read the bible, but I have found that the more one reads and studies it, the fear goes away to an extent and the perspective it shows over time is one of ultimate love. We need to learn to love...to become love, as Jesus is and we are to be in Him and He in us. With the same mind and will, forever standing down in trust to let the Lord accomplish His will through us. The good thing is...His will is one of love.