Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 13

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Matthew 17:1-2

A Glimpse of Things to Come

It’s difficult for me to fathom what it must have been like to be one of the three disciples who were privileged to see Jesus transformed, to get a glimpse of their best friend’s true and full identity—the Son of God—before their very eyes! How could they ever doubt again?

We have been looking at how God is the very light of the world, both physically and spiritually. He has always existed, and he always will exist. This is difficult for us to fathom because in this life, we are bound by time. We live our lives in the present, with the past behind us. There’s no going back, even as much as we might wish to change a situation or see a loved one just once more.

But we are comforted by the fact that our loved ones who died in faith are alive in heaven—and that helps us understand how Peter, James, and John were able to be in the presence of Moses and Elijah, who had already passed away. These three disciples had a foretaste of the worship we all will experience in heaven one day: the past and the present all at once, the complete glory and splendor of the Triune God in full majesty. We will gather around the throne on that holy mountain and be caught up in a euphoria of praise and worship that we are unable to fully experience on this earth. On the pages of Scripture, we catch a glimpse. And, just as Peter wanted to pitch a tent and remain there forever, someday you and I will be able to remain there in the mansion God has prepared for us, where we will worship him in perfect light and unity.

Have you ever been surrounded by people you deeply love, feeling as if your heart was overflowing with joy and you never wanted the moment to end? That’s a glimpse of what the disciples experienced—and it points to the unending joy we will know for all eternity when we are in the presence of God’s perfect light. The disciples had a glimpse of that unending joy when Jesus revealed himself as true God. We also look forward to seeing our Savior’s full glory in heaven with all the saints from every time and place.

Let that vision be an encouragement to you on dark days when the light is difficult to see. Sit down, open the timeless pages of Scripture, and let the Holy Spirit remind you that he is here with you, walking with you. Take the outstretched hand of the believers around you who are walking this path toward home with you. Take comfort in knowing that in this very moment, Jesus is transfigured and shining, and we can catch a glimpse of him every time we open our Bibles. How can we ever doubt again?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, our source of all light, I can’t wait until the moment when I get to see you face to face in your full glory! But that time has not come yet. Just like the disciples, I have to walk down from the mountain and continue to live in a world where my view of you is clouded. Give me patience and peace until it is my turn. And keep turning my heart toward you as I spend time with you in your Word and catch glimpses of your glory and splendor. Amen.

Written by Rhoda Wolle