THE GLORY OF THE ABSOLUTE
It is striking to put side-by-side Jesus’ words:
“…Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.”
With:
2 He (Jesus) was changed before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. 3 Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him…5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
Matthew blends the suffering servant with the glorified Messiah. He links them closely in time and geography. Why? Because he wants to make sure we see the reality that following Jesus is not and either-or deal.
Christianity is not, “either suffering or glory”, it is both.
Following Jesus means we must be willing to take up our Cross and follow, we must expect to suffer. Yet we must also understand that our obedience brings glory to God.
In Matthew 5:16 we see this exact teaching
“…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
The verse does not say, “let your suffering shine before men”. The text is broader than just suffering. Yet, suffering is certainly part of how we will shine. Not that we seek it. It will come upon us merely by following Jesus.
When we were thinking about Chapter 16, I was holding up the reality of Jesus’ claim of being the Absolute: The Way, The Truth, and The Life. I wrote much longer posts than usual as I was trying to wrestle with the both the reality of the Absolute, and the consequences of living for the Absolute.
Today we get a glimpse of the Glory of the Absolute. I don’t like to pick on Peter (lots of people do). If I was there, I think I, like Peter, would want to hang out in God’s glory.
Yet let me point out:
2 Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is.
WOW! We will be like Him.
Be encouraged. Can you envision being with, and even a bit, like Jesus?