Word@Work 099 - Mark 9:1-4
Published: Wed, 04/09/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 9:1-4 And he said to them, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power." After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. (NIV)
What a rollercoaster of mind-bending teaching (Mark 8:27-38). First an apparently casual enquiry about who people thought Jesus was. Then came the direct question about the disciples' view on Jesus' identity; followed by Peter's confession; almost immediately followed by Peter's staggering rebukes to Jesus about the cross. Then Jesus not only rebuked his words as being Satanic but told all the disciples that they were to suffer too! Now the ball comes over the net with heavy top-spin - there is a promise of glory followed by its amazing sight! Unforgettable! And just as intended.
Like every good military leader, Jesus allowed his troops to have a glimpse of the final victorious goal before committing themselves to the battle. The sight of Jesus in the white of purity and victory was to encourage them in the dark days ahead. The arrival of Elijah and Moses brought Job's conviction to life (Job 19:26) and provided the hope of life after death for all believers. It also confirmed what Jesus had said: 'those who lose their life for me and the gospel will save it' (Mark 8:35).
Without the Bible record we would be ignorant about such things. We would be left to flounder in mystery and superstition. But we do have the information - and it is designed to give us hope. Whatever we may be called to sacrifice for the sake of Christ, we can be confident that when the Lord comes in all his Glory, believers will not be left behind or cut out of the great celebration. We will be included and glorified with him for ever. Such a confident hope was the backbone of the 1st century church - and every church in persecution. It still says that Jesus and the Jesus people win in the end - and therefore it is worth the sacrifice of everything!
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for this reminder that there is more to life than what we see on planet Earth. Thank you for Your promise of the Glory ahead, in the presence of Jesus for ever ... and with nothing at all that will spoil it, never! Help me to live through difficulty and trials with this confidence as my hope - encouraging me in the day of sacrifice and spurring my soul to greater devotion. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
What a rollercoaster of mind-bending teaching (Mark 8:27-38). First an apparently casual enquiry about who people thought Jesus was. Then came the direct question about the disciples' view on Jesus' identity; followed by Peter's confession; almost immediately followed by Peter's staggering rebukes to Jesus about the cross. Then Jesus not only rebuked his words as being Satanic but told all the disciples that they were to suffer too! Now the ball comes over the net with heavy top-spin - there is a promise of glory followed by its amazing sight! Unforgettable! And just as intended.
Like every good military leader, Jesus allowed his troops to have a glimpse of the final victorious goal before committing themselves to the battle. The sight of Jesus in the white of purity and victory was to encourage them in the dark days ahead. The arrival of Elijah and Moses brought Job's conviction to life (Job 19:26) and provided the hope of life after death for all believers. It also confirmed what Jesus had said: 'those who lose their life for me and the gospel will save it' (Mark 8:35).
Without the Bible record we would be ignorant about such things. We would be left to flounder in mystery and superstition. But we do have the information - and it is designed to give us hope. Whatever we may be called to sacrifice for the sake of Christ, we can be confident that when the Lord comes in all his Glory, believers will not be left behind or cut out of the great celebration. We will be included and glorified with him for ever. Such a confident hope was the backbone of the 1st century church - and every church in persecution. It still says that Jesus and the Jesus people win in the end - and therefore it is worth the sacrifice of everything!
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for this reminder that there is more to life than what we see on planet Earth. Thank you for Your promise of the Glory ahead, in the presence of Jesus for ever ... and with nothing at all that will spoil it, never! Help me to live through difficulty and trials with this confidence as my hope - encouraging me in the day of sacrifice and spurring my soul to greater devotion. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@W099 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on