The most difficult challenge any man ever faced was the cross. But God gave Jesus encouragement in many ways. While He prayed in the Garden before His arrest, “an angel appeared to Him, strengthening Him” Luke 22:43. But back the clock up a few days….
“He took Peter, James, and John, and went up on the mountain to pray. As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus. They appeared in glory and were talking about His death, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem” Luke 9:28-31.
Do you know this story? It’s called the Transfiguration, but you don’t hear much about it—possibly because no one understands it.
It’s simple: Jesus, who is God in the flesh, is a citizen of Heaven—He is the CREATOR of Heaven—He knows Moses and Elijah. But on earth, He does not see God’s face or experience God’s kingdom the same way He would in Heaven. But the Father knows the challenges ahead, and sends Moses and Elijah to encourage Jesus.
This conversation would be another amazing one to hear. What do Jesus, Moses, and Elijah say? I’m not sure, but I bet it involves the “joy set before Him,” (Hebrews 12:2) that is, the redemption of billions of people. Jesus is about to defeat the forces of evil and accomplish the greatest, most heroic moment in history. This is His pre-game pep talk. God knows Jesus needs encouragement, so He sends Moses and Elijah.
There’s more. God also sent encouragement for Peter, James, and John! After all, they were about to lose Jesus:
“Then a voice came from the cloud saying, ‘This is My Son, the Chosen One, in Whom My Soul Delights. LISTEN TO HIM!” Matthew 17:5.
God knows your needs. He sees your hurts, griefs, losses, and challenges. And when you need Him most, He will provide. He may not send angels, or Moses, or speak in an audible voice—but He will take care of you! Keep seeking Him.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 