About eight days after Jesus said this (that some would not experience death before they saw the kingdom of God), he took Peter, John, and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. (Luke 9:28-30)
What was the most memorable experience you’ve had in the last couple years other than births and weddings? Mine was ziplining with family in the mountains of Costa Rica. My ziplining trip had all the elements for a thrilling event: participation, risk, surprise, loved ones present, intense emotion, and beauty.
Although wonderful, my experience can’t compare to the life-changing experience of the transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus wanted to continue revealing to Peter, John, and James who He was. While Jesus was with His Father in prayer, God shared His glory with Jesus. I’m sure seeing the glory of Christ, his face and clothes illuminated, was a brilliant and intense beauty beyond words. Then Moses and Elijah appeared. Somehow the three recognized them. Moses had led the Jews on their journey to the Promised Land, and God gave him power over the seas and power to feed multitudes. With God’s power, Elijah raised a man from death, healed lepers, and changed the weather. Coming from God’s kingdom, they also appeared in glorious splendor.
While living on earth, Moses and Elijah weren’t perfect. Moses murdered an Egyptian and Elijah ran away from God after God sent fire from heaven to prove He, not Baal, was the God of the universe. But they repented, loved God, cared for the sheep God gave them, and followed God’s will. That’s what God wants of us, too. In heaven in a state of permanent righteousness and beauty, we, too, will reflect God’s glory.
Heavenly Father, more than anything I want to please, know, and love you. Help me. Make my wrongdoings apparent so I can repent. Show me your will and give me your power, miracles, and whatever else is needed to follow it. Help me love and care for those you’ve given me. Thank you for the hope of heaven, where I will bask in God’s love and reflect His glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
I am sure that we can please God. We are all different and unique though and perhaps we can’t please God the same way as another person would. We do need to pray and remember to repent for our wrong doings. The hope of Heaven is for all of us.
God has different purposes for all of us. He wants us to use our gifts for the purposes He created us for. As long as we do that, we will please Him as much as anyone.