MATTHEW 17:1-13 (Mt. of Transfiguration)

READ MATTHEW 17:1-13!!!

 

Can you imagine being in the mountain alone with Jesus? Just you, a few disciples, and the Son of God who soon will take away the sins of the world. What a wonderful moment they experienced as Jesus was transfigured before them and the heavens were opened revealing the prophets of old. Then they hear from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” It was at this point they fell on their faces and were filled with awe. This was almost too much to handle. Many times Jesus ascended into a mountain. It was His common practice to do so and pray, or teach His disciples. Moses also had ascended a mountain. The ten commandments were given upon Mt. Sinai. The Lord called Moses to come up and he was there with the Lord for 40 days. Moses left the people behind as the Lord called him up. He went up to the presence and place where the Lord was.
 

            In Psalms 24:3 this question is presented; “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place?” In other words, who will be ushered in to the glory and presence of God? The next verse answers; “He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” As the people of God we are called out to be separate. Our Father is in the mountain calling out to us to come up higher; to come out from the filth and sins of this world; to come up to the place where He dwells. It is time for the church to separate ourselves from the iniquity we are surrounded by and become like our Savior. Where is the generation that will ascend the hill of the Lord into His presence? This hill is a hill of repentance and holiness. Righteousness is what Christ did for us on the cross and holiness is what we give back to Him. Jesus is soon to return for a pure, spotless bride not having spot or wrinkle. We are exhorted many times in the word of God to live holy. 2 Corinthians 7:1 “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Hebrews 12:14 “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Where is the generation that will obey that call in these last days?
 

            Jesus told the woman at the well, “The hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and truth.” It is not a requirement for you to find a mountain to be alone with God. The only mountains around here are overpasses! You must simply be humble. Only the humble climb this mountain.
 

            In these last days the church will once again become a force to be reckoned with (Acts 17:6). I sense a shift in the body of Christ in which the army of the Lord is soon to arise and a mighty army it will be indeed! This army will usher in the second coming of Christ with great power, signs, wonders, and glory. There is a people content with religion and the status quo, but move over because there is a generation coming that will not be satisfied or quenched by anything but the glory of the Lord; a people whom have climbed the mountain unto the holy place. As Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal, and fire fell from heaven, may the church arise and make the praise of our God glorious and reveal His power so that the world will say as the Israelites in Elijah’s day, “The Lord He is God! The Lord He is God!”

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  BUDDY BUCKNER serves as Young Adult Director, leads the New Members Training, and serves on the praise team at Freedom Fellowship.  He and his wife, Kayla, have been married for 8 years and have 3 beautiful children; Emily, J.B., and Nathan.

 

 

 

 

 

 



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