Have you ever wondered what our bodies might look like when we get to heaven? Maybe this passage gives us a clue.
When Jesus was transfigured, He became “other worldly” right in front of his disciples eyes. Two men who were long dead showed up and had a conversation with Him as well. What do we learn from this? Well, Moses and Elijah were clearly present and cognizant of what was happening, so that rules out the idea that we are confined to the grave until the rapture. (unless Moses was also taken to heaven…..it occurs to me that no one saw Moses die, but the Bible says “the Lord buried him”). If Moses were taken to heaven, then both he and Elijah could be considered “special cases” because neither one actually died. However, if Moses did die and was buried, as the Bible suggests, then we should expect that we will be alive and aware on the other side of death….just like Moses is. We apparently will have physical bodies that are somehow materially superior to the elements that make this body.
I wonder why the disciples weren’t afraid when Jesus began to glow, and people appeared before them….yet they wre terrified when they heard God’s voice from heaven? It would seem to me that seeing Jesus change, and all the other things going on would make you afraid as well. I guess the voice of God the Father must really be something to hear. I have no doubt that when we hear it, we will react just like they did, or like Isaiah, who cried out “woe is me…” (Isaiah 6). The voice of God created worlds, caused elements to appear from nothing, sent Lucifer crashing down from heaven….to hear his voice must cut right through us. Even still, I am looking forward to the day I hear that same voice say “well done, good and faithful servant”….even though I know I don’t deserve it.
I guess I can understand how Jesus could be wistful to go back to heaven, after spending time on the mountain with several friends who are already there. No wonder He seems perturbed when the people clamor for His attention. I have sat with friends who have grown so close to the Lord in their old age, and have experienced enough physical problems here that they preferred to leave and go to heaven. In Jesus’ case It must have been very frustrating to have to put up with our small faith, knowing that we could be so much more than we are. I thank God daily for His patience, because without it I’m sure I would never make it. Jesus may have been longing for heaven, but He continues to deal with the folks here with compassion. That’s a good example for me, even when I would rather be doing something else, or be somewhere else I should practice dealing with the people I come in contact with in love and compassion. Sometimes we can all strain each others nerves….if I expect compassion, I guess I should give it!
One quick thought on the young boy who was possessed. I have recently become more aware of the significance of what Jesus was saying here. Jesus wasn’t saying they didn’t have enough power to cast out the demon…he was saying that they didn’t recognize that they had access to the power. Their faith in Christ was so small that they didn’t use what they had. What can we compare it to? Can you imagine someone trying to lift a car, while using the jack like a lever…putting it against a stone and pressing down on one end? How about someone trying to use a knife while it was still in the protective sheath? Or maybe a person pushing their bicycle around…not knowing they could ride it? These are ridiculous, I know…but we are just as ridiculous when we say “I can’t…..” while all the while having access to the phenomenal power of Jesus Christ. “Lord, increase my faith!” I want to be able to respond just as you would respond in any given situation!
Father, help me to become aware of the power available to me, and to all of us! Help me to make good use of everything that you have given the Church so that as a body, we will become powerful and effective! May my actions and my conduct always reflect the power of Christ!
Praying for power realized,
PR