March 2 | Luke 9:28-45

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DAILY READING

Luke 9:28-45

REFLECTION

Radiant Change

by Elaine Pierce

"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. When Aaron and the all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him." (Exodus 34:29-30).

I'm going to focus on verses 28-35 for today's blog, but be sure to read verses 37-45 as well. The scripture from Exodus recounts the time that Moses spent time with God on Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments from him. Flash forward to today's passage, when Jesus took Peter, John and James with him onto a mountain to pray. Jesus' clothes became 'as bright as a flash of lightning' and 'the appearance of his face changed (v. 29).' What an incredible experience this had to be for these three disciples! And how the crowd reacted when Moses came down from the mountain with a radiant face - fear and awe. These are certainly not everyday experiences, are they?

I wonder if Peter regretted his immediate response to seeing Jesus, radiant, talking with Moses and Elijah. He didn't read the room, did he? Like us, often, he focused on himself rather than on the Lord:

"Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters - one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (v. 33)

Oh, Peter. How have you missed the point? Maybe I should start that sentence over: Oh, Elaine, how do you miss the point? Don't you know that I am the Lord, the creator of the universe? Stop focusing on your needs, and listen to him - he is my son, and I have chosen him.

Thanks be to God that he doesn't give up on us. He didn't give up on Peter, even when he was fully justified. He continues to call us to himself, and he picks us up when we fall and offers us his love and grace.

One day we will be changed - we will be radiant. I close with these words from Revelation 21:1-5. Meditate on them, and thank God for his good gifts, far beyond anything we could ever hope for or imagine.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning, or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"

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PRAYER

Lord, I sit in awe of you. I am content with the things of this world, and you are offering me eternal life and blessings beyond measure. Help me to look to you and you alone for my every need, and to marvel at your goodness. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

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