The Transfiguration is beyond all events one of the most outrageous in the life of Jesus. Three disciples are invited to see Moses, Elijah and Jesus all resplendent in the Glory of God. In Luke 9:28-36 we have a rendering of this event. I am intrigued that those present were 'discussion Jesus' departure.' Some translations will note that the word 'departure is 'exodus.' That this word is used is provoking us to think of Moses and the departure of the Hebrew nation from Egypt. This is another way the Lord wants us to line up the journey of the Hebrews / Israelite from Egypt to the promised Land.
Another astounding observation here is the presence of Moses and Elijah. Why are these two present at the Transfiguration? We can imagine why Moses is there having the banner headline "Exodus" but why Elijah? The reason Elijah is there is a much ignored or not-understood reason. I will unpack this over the next few days.
Today I want to simply underline that Moses died and was buried in the ground. Elijah did not die and rose bodily to heaven. Jesus had to fulfill both these 'Exodus' - departures in fulfilling his work as the saving one. So as the Scriptures tell us in detail... Jesus was dead and was placed in the ground. He also ascended bodily to the right hand of God and was Glorified. We know that this could be accomplished by one person because of the Resurrection. There is one more incredible and mind blowing thing that Jesus said about this...
"Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of Heaven."
Luke then says.. "About 8 days after he had said this...." He is linking 'seeing the Kingdom of Heaven' and the Transfiguration. The text also tells us the disciples were all fully awake... this was not a vision. They saw the Glory of the Kingdom and three giants of the Old Testament. Was 'seeing the kingdom of heaven' just seeing the glowing?
Over the next few days I will be unpacking how this event reveals the entire saving plan of God and shows us that, without a doubt, the church will be taken from the earth in what we call 'the rapture.'
Gary Ward
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