Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured  (Read 15754 times)

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JimB

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The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« on: March 06, 2016, 06:37:15 AM »
Chap. 46 - He Was Transfigured

     Evening is drawing on as Jesus calls to His side three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, and leads them across the fields, and far up a rugged path, to a lonely mountainside. The Saviour and His disciples have spent the day in traveling and teaching, and the mountain climb adds to their weariness. Christ has lifted burdens from mind and body of many sufferers; He has sent the thrill of life through their enfeebled frames; but He also is compassed with humanity, and with His disciples He is wearied with the ascent. 
     The light of the setting sun still lingers on the mountain top, and gilds with its fading glory the path they are traveling. But soon the light dies out from hill as well as valley, the sun disappears behind the western horizon, and the solitary travelers are wrapped in the darkness of night. The gloom of their surroundings seems in harmony with their sorrowful lives, around which the clouds are gathering and thickening. 
     The disciples do not venture to ask Christ whither He is going, or for what purpose. He has often spent entire nights in the mountains in prayer. He whose hand formed mountain and valley is at home with nature, and enjoys its quietude. The disciples follow where Christ leads the way; yet they wonder why their Master should lead them up this toilsome ascent when they are weary, and when He too is in need of rest. 
     Presently Christ tells them that they are now to go no farther. Stepping a little aside from them, the Man of Sorrows pours out His supplications with strong crying and tears. He prays for strength to endure the test in behalf of humanity. He must Himself gain a fresh hold on Omnipotence, for only thus can He contemplate the future. And He pours out His heart longings for His disciples, that in the hour of the power of darkness their faith may not fail. The dew is heavy upon His bowed form, but He heeds it not. The shadows of night gather thickly about Him, but He regards not their gloom. So the hours pass slowly by. At first the disciples unite their prayers with His in sincere devotion; but after a time they are overcome with weariness, and, even while trying to retain their interest in the scene, they fall asleep. Jesus has told them of His sufferings; He has taken them with Him that they might unite with Him in prayer; even now He is praying for them. The Saviour has seen the gloom of His disciples, and has longed to lighten their grief by an assurance that their faith has not been in vain. Not all, even of the twelve, can receive the revelation He desires to give. Only the three who are to witness His anguish in Gethsemane have been chosen to be with Him on the mount. Now the burden of His prayer is that they may be given a manifestation of the glory He had with the Father before the world was, that His kingdom may be revealed to human eyes, and that His disciples may be strengthened to behold it. He pleads that they may witness a manifestation of His divinity that will comfort them in the hour of His supreme agony with the knowledge that He is of a surety the Son of God and that His shameful death is a part of the plan of redemption. 
     His prayer is heard. While He is bowed in lowliness upon the stony ground, suddenly the heavens open, the golden gates of the city of God are thrown wide, and holy radiance descends upon the mount, enshrouding the Saviour's form. Divinity from within flashes through humanity, and meets the glory coming from above. Arising from His prostrate position, Christ stands in godlike majesty. The soul agony is gone. His countenance now shines "as the sun," and His garments are "white as the light."       The disciples, awaking, behold the flood of glory that illuminates the mount. In fear and amazement they gaze upon the radiant form of their Master. As they become able to endure the wondrous light, they see that Jesus is not alone. Beside Him are two heavenly beings, in close converse with Him. They are Moses, who upon Sinai had talked with God; and Elijah, to whom the high privilege was given--granted to but one other of the sons of Adam--never to come under the power of death. 
     Upon Mount Pisgah fifteen centuries before, Moses had stood gazing upon the Land of Promise. But because of his sin at Meribah, it was not for him to enter there. Not for him was the joy of leading the host of Israel into the inheritance of their fathers. His agonized entreaty, "I pray Thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon" (Deuteronomy 3:25), was refused. The hope that for forty years had lighted up the darkness of the desert wanderings must be denied. A wilderness grave was the goal of those years of toil and heart-burdening care. But He who is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20), had in this measure answered His servant's prayer. Moses passed under the dominion of death, but he was not to remain in the tomb. Christ Himself called him forth to life. Satan the tempter had claimed the body of Moses because of his sin; but Christ the Saviour brought him forth from the grave. Jude 9. 
     Moses upon the mount of transfiguration was a witness to Christ's victory over sin and death. He represented those who shall come forth from the grave at the resurrection of the just. Elijah, who had been translated to heaven without seeing death, represented those who will be living upon the earth at Christ's second coming, and who will be "changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;" when "this mortal must put on immortality," and "this corruptible must put on incorruption." 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. Jesus was clothed with the light of heaven, as He will appear when He shall come "the second time without sin unto salvation." For He will come "in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Hebrews 9:28; Mark 8:38. The Saviour's promise to the disciples was now fulfilled. Upon the mount the future kingdom of glory was represented in miniature,--Christ the King, Moses a representative of the risen saints, and Elijah of the translated ones. 
     The disciples do not yet comprehend the scene; but they rejoice that the patient Teacher, the meek and lowly One, who has wandered to and fro a helpless stranger, is honored by the favored ones of heaven. They believe that Elijah has come to announce the Messiah's reign, and that the kingdom of Christ is about to be set up on the earth. The memory of their fear and disappointment they would banish forever. Here, where the glory of God is revealed, they long to tarry. Peter exclaims, "Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias." The disciples are confident that Moses and Elijah have been sent to protect their Master, and to establish His authority as king.   

     But before the crown must come the cross. Not the inauguration of Christ as king, but the decease to be accomplished at Jerusalem, is the subject of their conference with Jesus. Bearing the weakness of humanity, and burdened with its sorrow and sin, Jesus walked alone in the midst of men. As the darkness of the coming trial pressed upon Him, He was in loneliness of spirit, in a world that knew Him not. Even His loved disciples, absorbed in their own doubt and sorrow and ambitious hopes, had not comprehended the mystery of His mission. He had dwelt amid the love and fellowship of heaven; but in the world that He had created, He was in solitude. Now heaven had sent its messengers to Jesus; not angels, but men who had endured suffering and sorrow, and who could sympathize with the Saviour in the trial of His earthly life. Moses and Elijah had been colaborers with Christ. They had shared His longing for the salvation of men. Moses had pleaded for Israel: “Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy book which Thou hast written.” Exodus 32:32. Elijah had known loneliness of spirit, as for three years and a half of famine he had borne the burden of the nation’s hatred and its woe. Alone he had stood for God upon Mount Carmel. Alone he had fled to the desert in anguish and despair. These men, chosen above every angel around the throne, had come to commune with Jesus concerning the scenes of His suffering, and to comfort Him with the assurance of the sympathy of heaven. The hope of the world, the salvation of every human being, was the burden of their interview. 

     Through being overcome with sleep, the disciples heard little of what passed between Christ and the heavenly messengers. Failing to watch and pray, they had not received that which God desired to give them,--a knowledge of the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. They lost the blessing that might have been theirs through sharing His self-sacrifice. Slow of heart to believe were these disciples, little appreciative of the treasure with which Heaven sought to enrich them. 
     Yet they received great light. They were assured that all heaven knew of the sin of the Jewish nation in rejecting Christ. They were given a clearer insight into the work of the Redeemer. They saw with their eyes and heard with their ears things that were beyond the comprehension of man. They were "eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16), and they realized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, to whom patriarchs and prophets had witnessed, and that He was recognized as such by the heavenly universe. 
     While they were still gazing on the scene upon the mount, "a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him." As they beheld the cloud of glory, brighter than that which went before the tribes of Israel in the wilderness; as they heard the voice of God speak in awful majesty that caused the mountain to tremble, the disciples fell smitten to the earth. They remained prostrate, their faces hidden, till Jesus came near, and touched them, dispelling their fears with His well-known voice, "Arise, and be not afraid." Venturing to lift up their eyes, they saw that the heavenly glory had passed away, the forms of Moses and Elijah had disappeared. They were upon the mount, alone with Jesus.

By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.  {DA 291.1}

JimB

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2016, 06:48:27 AM »
He has often spent entire nights in the mountains in prayer.

He must Himself gain a fresh hold on Omnipotence, for only thus can He contemplate the future. And He pours out His heart longings for His disciples, that in the hour of the power of darkness their faith may not fail.

 Now the burden of His prayer is that they may be given a manifestation of the glory He had with the Father before the world was, that His kingdom may be revealed to human eyes, and that His disciples may be strengthened to behold it.

He pleads that they may witness a manifestation of His divinity that will comfort them in the hour of His supreme agony with the knowledge that He is of a surety the Son of God and that His shameful death is a part of the plan of redemption. 

His prayer is heard.

I know that Christ said many times that He did nothing except through His Father. But it's still amazing to me, knowing that He is God, that He had spent entire nights in prayer and in this case it says "He must Himself gain a fresh hold on Omnipotence".  Christ is our example and if He had to spend so much time in prayer it behooves me to be doing the same thing. Then we are told and read that His prayer was answered. Amen!
By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.  {DA 291.1}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #2 on: June 03, 2016, 06:40:31 AM »
Amen, Jim. We need Jesus.

What you have shared is so very important. First, Jesus had to gain a fresh hold on Omnipotence! So, too must we gain a fresh hold on Jesus every day. And, for what purpose was Jesus praying? He had just tried to explain to His disciples that He must suffer and die. They did not want this. Now, He is burdened by their failure to understand the plan of salvation. How could these few men be the vehicle to reveal to the world the meaning of the Sacrifice if they did not understand. And, they were in great perplexity then, and when Jesus hung on the cross, what would happen to them then?

It was this that was on the heart of Christ as He prayed. It was not for Himself, but for those whom He loved. What a God we serve!!

But, because of the false teaching of a nation, what was the belief of the three disciples who were chosen to witness the glorification of Christ? Jesus had just told then He was going to die, and what was their response to seeing this most glorious scene?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #3 on: June 03, 2016, 06:42:05 AM »
Amen, Jim! And also Amen, Richard! Prayer is so powerful in the divine-human relationship that Jesus ever sustained with His Father. It is a great mystery how the Creator God condescended to take fallen humanity upon Him, and how He never exercised His divine power in His own behalf, showing us the way through divine grace by communion with the Father that the divine power of God is available through Christ to the weakest of His children!

I was moved by this paragraph this morning:

Through being overcome with sleep, the disciples heard little of what passed between Christ and the heavenly messengers. Failing to watch and pray, they had not received that which God desired to give them,--a knowledge of the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. They lost the blessing that might have been theirs through sharing His self-sacrifice. Slow of heart to believe were these disciples, little appreciative of the treasure with which Heaven sought to enrich them. {DA 425.1}

But thankfully the truth does not end there--"Yet they received great light." {DA 425.2} While we as Seventh-day Adventists have received great light, could it be that by failing to experience the light we are not as well prepared for the trials to face us in the future, and the subsequent time of Jacob's trouble? Beautiful lessons emerge from this chapter as we see how Jesus was doing all He could to reach the hearts of His disciples, to encourage them for what they were about to face, that they might not doubt that He was indeed the divine Son of God, though compassed with humanity, as the Lamb who must die. May we also realize that Jesus' sacrifice means that self must die as we behold His loveliness, and that only through divine grace can we overcome any sin, for apart from Chirst we can do nothing. Let us look and live, and in living by faith on the Son of God, let us prayerfully experience the blessed promise that "when we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {DA 676.4}
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2016, 06:54:51 AM »
Yes, Pastor Sean, there are lessons for us today in this most wonderful experience of the disciples on the mount. What comes to my mind is what you shared. "Yet they received great light."  They rejected what Jesus had told them about His soon death. They wanted to build tabernacles for Moses and Elijah. They now believed the kingdom of God was being set up. How sad. "yet, they received great light." Even having seen that Jesus was the Son of God, God in the flesh, they deserted Him in His great trial, and Peter denied Him! How can this be after they had acknowledged Him as the Son of God and then these three saw Him glorified and heard the voice of God declaring Jesus His Son?

Are we any different from them? Yes, we are. We are 2,000 years further removed from their fallen nature. We are living in an environment as it was just before the flood. This ought to give us warning that we too are in great danger of forgetting what we see each day we behold the loveliness of Jesus. Is this not reLason enough for us to be reading daily from this most precious revelation of Christ?

Keep in mind, that even though Peter forgot what he saw and heard on the mount, in his heart, he knew Jesus was the Son of God. Even though by neglect of watching and praying, his mind lost connection with Christ, because he had "received great light" it was in his mind to remember. So it is with us today. Because we have beheld the loveliness of Jesus, it has not only left an impression upon our minds, it has transformed our character. It is both an intellectual and a spiritual truth that by beholding we become changed. What becomes changed? The mind gradually adapts itself to what it is accustomed to behold. The mind is as plastic and is continually being molded by what it sees and hears. We have it in our power to choose what we shall become. Today decides tomorrow. "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Cor. 3:18.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2016, 07:24:11 AM »
This is a short chapter, but it is full of significance. Once again we find Jesus praying, not just for Himself that He might fulfill His mission of mercy, but the lovely Jesus is praying again for His disciples.

     He prays for strength to endure the test in behalf of humanity. He must Himself gain a fresh hold on Omnipotence, for only thus can He contemplate the future. And He pours out His heart longings for His disciples, that in the hour of the power of darkness their faith may not fail. The dew is heavy upon His bowed form, but He heeds it not. The shadows of night gather thickly about Him, but He regards not their gloom. So the hours pass slowly by. At first the disciples unite their prayers with His in sincere devotion; but after a time they are overcome with weariness, and, even while trying to retain their interest in the scene, they fall asleep. Jesus has told them of His sufferings; He has taken them with Him that they might unite with Him in prayer; even now He is praying for them. The Saviour has seen the gloom of His disciples, and has longed to lighten their grief by an assurance that their faith has not been in vain. Not all, even of the twelve, can receive the revelation He desires to give. Only the three who are to witness His anguish in Gethsemane have been chosen to be with Him on the mount. Now the burden of His prayer is that they may be given a manifestation of the glory He had with the Father before the world was, that His kingdom may be revealed to human eyes, and that His disciples may be strengthened to behold it. He pleads that they may witness a manifestation of His divinity that will comfort them in the hour of His supreme agony with the knowledge that He is of a surety the Son of God and that His shameful death is a part of the plan of redemption.
     His prayer is heard. While He is bowed in lowliness upon the stony ground, suddenly the heavens open, the golden gates of the city of God are thrown wide, and holy radiance descends upon the mount, enshrouding the Saviour's form. Divinity from within flashes through humanity, and meets the glory coming from above.


Some in the Seventh-day Adventist Church who claim to believe the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy would have us believe Jesus was just like us. That He had no power we cannot have. This is so far removed from the truth that it is hard to believe that so many who do believe in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy will listen to such things. It is true Jesus is our example. It is true He came to this Earth a helpless little babe subject the weakness of humanity to fight the battle of life as each of us must fight it. He could have sinned. But, He is not just like us. He is God in the flesh. How could one teach He is just like us? Jesus carried the sins of the whole world upon Himself. We cannot carry our own sins. We live only because Jesus has carried them for us.

In the above quote we see Jesus was not like us. He did not wait for the divinity from heaven to reach Him. No, "divinity from within flashes through humanity, and meets the glory coming from above."

What shall we say? Is Jesus not our example? He is our example that we might depend upon Him as He depended upon His Father for strength to overcome. There is no excuse for us to sin when we have a Savior who is not only willing to live in us, but is drawing us to Himself. He loves us and died for us while we were yet sinners. It was not one sin or two sins that put to death the Son of God, but it was the sins of the whole world that broke His heart. He is not just like us. That is heresy. Jesus is God. He did not lay aside His divinity when He came to the Earth. He never performed a miracle for Himself. He depended upon His Father for the help He needed. But, in His weakest moment, His strength of character far exceeded the most holy of our race. In His greatest agony, He was carrying our guilt, and He failed not. He is well able to keep us from the greatest temptations that will come to us, if we are abiding in Him and He is us. But, never think that the greatest temptation that will ever come to you or me, can compare in the slightest to what Christ endured. Yet, that is what some of the "great" teachers of today teach. Such a deception!

Let us keep our eyes upon Jesus and His Word. Do not depend upon the arm of flesh. We need the wisdom of God that is found in that pure fountain opened to all who want to know God.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #6 on: August 29, 2016, 07:49:49 AM »
We can be thankful, as you have shared and pointed out from our reading today, Richard, that indeed the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy reveal that in Jesus we have a divine-human Savior. One who was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin, but who while walking the bloodstained path to Calvary was still fully God in the flesh, and yet He did not depend upon His own divine power for strength to overcome. He prayed and depended upon His Father, and He sought help in the ways that it is available to us--through Him. I am so thankful that Jesus is more than human! I am so glad that He is well able to bear all of the sins that I have confessed and laid upon Him, and that His heart of tender love is still open to receive the most sinful of our race, for He has already borne their sin upon His heart, and died on account of it. What amazing love! What a manifestation of grace!

As we see Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus' reason for bringing His disciples there was to strengthen them for the trial that would await them. May we, in beholding this same scene through the pages of inspiration, also be strengthened for the upcoming conflicts we will face, with the full realization of the divine-human arm of Christ that is well able to help us in every situation, to keep us from falling into sin!

If Moses and Elijah had been sent to strengthen Jesus in what He was about to face, will we not also be strengthened as we contemplate the glorious theme of redemption? How can our hearts not be softened, elevated, and ennobled by coming into contact with such unfathomable love?

But before the crown must come the cross. Not the inauguration of Christ as king, but the decease to be accomplished at Jerusalem, is the subject of their conference with Jesus. Bearing the weakness of humanity, and burdened with its sorrow and sin, Jesus walked alone in the midst of men. As the darkness of the coming trial pressed upon Him, He was in loneliness of spirit, in a world that knew Him not. Even His loved disciples, absorbed in their own doubt and sorrow and ambitious hopes, had not comprehended the mystery of His mission. He had dwelt amid the love and fellowship of heaven; but in the world that He had created, He was in solitude. Now heaven had sent its messengers to Jesus; not angels, but men who had endured suffering and sorrow, and who could sympathize with the Saviour in the trial of His earthly life. Moses and Elijah had been colaborers with Christ. They had shared His longing for the salvation of men. Moses had pleaded for Israel: "Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy book which Thou hast written." Exodus 32:32. Elijah had known loneliness of spirit, as for three years and a half of famine he had borne the burden of the nation's hatred and its woe. Alone he had stood for God upon Mount Carmel. Alone he had fled to the desert in anguish and despair. These men, chosen above every angel around the throne, had come to commune with Jesus concerning the scenes of His suffering, and to comfort Him with the assurance of the sympathy of heaven. The hope of the world, the salvation of every human being, was the burden of their interview. {DA 422.2}

Before we will go to heaven, we also will pass through great trial and tribulation--but we are to rejoice, for we have Jesus as a never-failing helper amidst our experience, and the promise of His Holy Spirit to guide us and to be abiding in our hearts as we live by faith upon Him. As Moses and Elijah shared Christ's longing for the salvation of men, let us prayerfully enter into that same experience, knowing that all around us there are perishing souls who need the very lovely Savior that it is our privilege to behold!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

JimB

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #7 on: November 24, 2016, 06:08:19 AM »
He had dwelt amid the love and fellowship of heaven; but in the world that He had created, He was in solitude. Now heaven had sent its messengers to Jesus; not angels, but men who had endured suffering and sorrow, and who could sympathize with the Saviour in the trial of His earthly life. Moses and Elijah had been colaborers with Christ. They had shared His longing for the salvation of men. Moses had pleaded for Israel: "Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy book which Thou hast written." Exodus 32:32. Elijah had known loneliness of spirit, as for three years and a half of famine he had borne the burden of the nation's hatred and its woe. Alone he had stood for God upon Mount Carmel. Alone he had fled to the desert in anguish and despair. These men, chosen above every angel around the throne, had come to commune with Jesus concerning the scenes of His suffering, and to comfort Him with the assurance of the sympathy of heaven. The hope of the world, the salvation of every human being, was the burden of their interview. 

Who did Heaven send to console Christ and give Him strength? Humans! Humans who have been through similar circumstances and yet were conquerors. This reminds me of this verse.

2Co 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 

Have you been through trials, afflictions? Have you ever been in despair yet made it to the other side? Have you been through a divorce or has your family disowned you yet through Christ you found relief and release from the burdens satan tried to place on you? Well, if you have now you can better help others who are going through similar circumstances. You know better than those who haven't experienced such things how to show someone to find the same blessings  you found. 
By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.  {DA 291.1}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #8 on: November 24, 2016, 06:50:12 AM »
Amen,dear Brother!!   What patience and experience our trials give to us as we suffer with our Savior. As we walk in His footsteps, we are not only a comfort to others who so do, but we are witnesses to this world and the whole universe of God.

What a wonderful holiday we celebrate today in America. It is a time to thank our Creator for all of the blessings He has given to the world and each of us individually!

It is interesting to look at Moses in the light of today's reading. I was impressed with a statement made about Moses, and again, it brings out the very important truth in the Book of Job which we are studying in the Sabbath School lessons. "Moses upon the mount of transfiguration was a witness to Christ's victory over sin and death."

We understand about His victory over death, for Moses was resurrected. But, what about the victory over sin? Did not Moses sin shortly before his death? Where is the victory over sin when this highly honored leader failed at the end of life? The wages of one sin is death, is it not? Then how do we explain that not only did Moses win everlasting life, but he was resurrected shortly after death?

I apply this to the Book of Job because both failed to rightly represent Christ when they sinned after lives of such great faithfulness. Being leaders, of the highest earthly rank, they truly misrepresented God when they sinned. This is why Moses had to die, lest the reproach of his sin remain upon the minds of not only Israel, but all who would come afterwards.

How do we explain "victory over sin" in the sin, death, and resurrection of Moses?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #9 on: November 24, 2016, 08:29:10 AM »
Amen, Richard! Moses' life reveals victory over sin like Job's in that Moses repented and turned from his sin (as did Job). There can be no victory without sincere repentance--a repentance which we receive as a gift from Jesus as we behold His loveliness and realize that our sin wounds Him afresh. It is such a realization of His love in contrast with how horrible sin is, that we come to love God with all the heart and hate sin so that He can keep us even from sinning in our toughs. God's grace is SO POWERFUL! This is the power of the gospel, and it is found in being with Jesus:

     While they were still gazing on the scene upon the mount, "a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him." As they beheld the cloud of glory, brighter than that which went before the tribes of Israel in the wilderness; as they heard the voice of God speak in awful majesty that caused the mountain to tremble, the disciples fell smitten to the earth. They remained prostrate, their faces hidden, till Jesus came near, and touched them, dispelling their fears with His well-known voice, "Arise, and be not afraid." Venturing to lift up their eyes, they saw that the heavenly glory had passed away, the forms of Moses and Elijah had disappeared. They were upon the mount, alone with Jesus. [/b]

This stood out to me--after all the glory passed away, they still had the glory--they had Jesus with them. When you and I may feel alone, let us remember back to what Jesus has revealed to us of Himself, and remember His loveliness and goodness, and abide in Him! This will help us in the trials ahead!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #10 on: February 19, 2017, 07:00:04 AM »
Do you ever have times of spiritual illumination in answer to prayer? Well would it be for us to realize the purpose for which Christ's prayer was offered--not just that He would be spiritually strengthened for what He was about to accomplish upon the cross, but that His disciples would be strengthened. Well would it be for us to remember that in spending that "thoughtful hour" with Jesus, we are not just spiritually strengthened ourselves, but others are prepared by the witness wrought in our lives to be spiritually uplifted and blessed!

His prayer is heard. While He is bowed in lowliness upon the stony ground, suddenly the heavens open, the golden gates of the city of God are thrown wide, and holy radiance descends upon the mount, enshrouding the Saviour's form. Divinity from within flashes through humanity, and meets the glory coming from above. Arising from His prostrate position, Christ stands in godlike majesty. The soul agony is gone. His countenance now shines "as the sun," and His garments are "white as the light."       The disciples, awaking, behold the flood of glory that illuminates the mount. In fear and amazement they gaze upon the radiant form of their Master. As they become able to endure the wondrous light, they see that Jesus is not alone. Beside Him are two heavenly beings, in close converse with Him. They are Moses, who upon Sinai had talked with God; and Elijah, to whom the high privilege was given--granted to but one other of the sons of Adam--never to come under the power of death. 

Our prayers can also be heard. Jesus is divine fully; we are not by nature, but we are to be partakers of the divine nature through living-faith in Him! What a privilege to remember the glory of God manifest here in Christ!

We are living in that time when there will be those who will soon be translated to heaven without seeing death. Let us behold Christ continually and allow Him to prepare us for our part in His plan that He knows to be best!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #11 on: February 19, 2017, 11:30:08 PM »
Pastor Sean, I too was impressed with this truth. Jesus is not "just like us." He was and is God in a human body. We are not and never will be. But, we may possess a dual nature as does Christ. Until glorification, we will retain our fallen flesh, but if we will allow Christ to take possession of the heart and mind, we then will become partakers of His divine nature. Our hearts will be filled with the presence of His representative, the Holy Spirit. What a blessing we may have!

     Divinity from within flashes through humanity, and meets the glory coming from above. Arising from His prostrate position, Christ stands in godlike majesty.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #12 on: May 17, 2017, 07:13:51 AM »
What a beautiful truth about Jesus and the revelation of the kingdom so soon to be established--where Christ will reign with those who have been victorious over sin and the grave, and those who have overcome sin and will be translated to heaven without seeing death! Jesus is calling us to be a part of this kingdom and to appreciate His divine power that will soon be revealed from heaven with all the glory of God and the holy angels!

Moses upon the mount of transfiguration was a witness to Christ's victory over sin and death. He represented those who shall come forth from the grave at the resurrection of the just. Elijah, who had been translated to heaven without seeing death, represented those who will be living upon the earth at Christ's second coming, and who will be "changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;" when "this mortal must put on immortality," and "this corruptible must put on incorruption." 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. Jesus was clothed with the light of heaven, as He will appear when He shall come "the second time without sin unto salvation." For He will come "in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Hebrews 9:28; Mark 8:38. The Saviour's promise to the disciples was now fulfilled. Upon the mount the future kingdom of glory was represented in miniature,--Christ the King, Moses a representative of the risen saints, and Elijah of the translated ones. 


The only thing that will keep us out of the kingdom is our own choice--to choose the service of self and sin over the surrender of our entire heart and life to Jesus. Let us choose Jesus and learn from the lesson of the disciples' experience not to "sleep" in these last days, but to be wide awake to our continual need of Jesus in order to do any good thing!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #13 on: May 17, 2017, 07:16:23 AM »
Amen, Pastor Sean.  We need to die to self daily. "I die daily."

     But before the crown must come the cross. Not the inauguration of Christ as king, but the decease to be accomplished at Jerusalem, is the subject of their conference with Jesus. Bearing the weakness of humanity, and burdened with its sorrow and sin, Jesus walked alone in the midst of men. As the darkness of the coming trial pressed upon Him, He was in loneliness of spirit, in a world that knew Him not. Even His loved disciples, absorbed in their own doubt and sorrow and ambitious hopes, had not comprehended the mystery of His mission. He had dwelt amid the love and fellowship of heaven; but in the world that He had created, He was in solitude. Now heaven had sent its messengers to Jesus; not angels, but men who had endured suffering and sorrow, and who could sympathize with the Saviour in the trial of His earthly life. Moses and Elijah had been colaborers with Christ. They had shared His longing for the salvation of men. Moses had pleaded for Israel: "Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy book which Thou hast written." Exodus 32:32. Elijah


While the "transfiguration" was a most amazing thing, there are important lessons surrounding this that are included in the chapter. The life of Moses is very instructive, as was his death.

     A wilderness grave was the goal of those years of toil and heart-burdening care. But He who is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20), had in this measure answered His servant's prayer. Moses passed under the dominion of death, but he was not to remain in the tomb. Christ Himself called him forth to life. Satan the tempter had claimed the body of Moses because of his sin; but Christ the Saviour brought him forth from the grave. Jude 9. 


Moses had to die, but Moses was resurrected within three days of his death. What is this about?

     Moses upon the mount of transfiguration was a witness to Christ's victory over sin and death. He represented those who shall come forth from the grave at the resurrection of the just. Elijah, who had been translated to heaven without seeing death, represented those who will be living upon the earth at Christ's second coming, and who will be "changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;" when "this mortal must put on immortality," and "this corruptible must put on incorruption." 1 Corinthians 15:51-53.


The sin of Moses was a very bad thing because of his position as leader of Israel. He had to die so the gospel of grace would not be misrepresented by those would have said "Even Moses sinned", if he had not been laid to rest. Now none say this because Moses died because of his one sin.  We also notice here that there is no such thing as "holy flesh" this side of the second coming of Christ when "this corruptible must put on incorruption."
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #14 on: August 12, 2017, 03:06:08 AM »
What a blessing to contemplate and meditate upon what Jesus endured in order to save us from sin. The cost is infinite, which means the value God places upon us as human souls is infinite! The transfiguration was intended to strengthen the disciples for what was on the horizon--the cross. We also need to be assured of the preciousness and power of our divine-human Savior! What amazing love!

  But before the crown must come the cross. Not the inauguration of Christ as king, but the decease to be accomplished at Jerusalem, is the subject of their conference with Jesus. Bearing the weakness of humanity, and burdened with its sorrow and sin, Jesus walked alone in the midst of men. As the darkness of the coming trial pressed upon Him, He was in loneliness of spirit, in a world that knew Him not. Even His loved disciples, absorbed in their own doubt and sorrow and ambitious hopes, had not comprehended the mystery of His mission. He had dwelt amid the love and fellowship of heaven; but in the world that He had created, He was in solitude. Now heaven had sent its messengers to Jesus; not angels, but men who had endured suffering and sorrow, and who could sympathize with the Saviour in the trial of His earthly life. Moses and Elijah had been colaborers with Christ. They had shared His longing for the salvation of men. Moses had pleaded for Israel: "Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray Thee, out of Thy book which Thou hast written." Exodus 32:32. Elijah had known loneliness of spirit, as for three years and a half of famine he had borne the burden of the nation's hatred and its woe. Alone he had stood for God upon Mount Carmel. Alone he had fled to the desert in anguish and despair. These men, chosen above every angel around the throne, had come to commune with Jesus concerning the scenes of His suffering, and to comfort Him with the assurance of the sympathy of heaven. The hope of the world, the salvation of every human being, was the burden of their interview.  {The Desire of Ages, page 422, paragraph 2}

I thought today about how Jesus came to this world and took our fallen humanity upon Himself, so that even though He was divine, He fully understood the weakness and sinfulness of humanity and could sympathize with us in our temptations to give us power to obey through the experience of faith He gained by relying upon the "exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4). Fallen humanity was not His in the sense that He ever sinned, for not even by a thought did He yield to temptation--but in taking upon Himself humanity Christ was sustained by the same agencies of grace that God gives us--His word, the privilege of prayer, and communion with God in nature by spending time in communion with our Heavenly Father. I marvel that Jesus, the Word, was sustained by relying fully upon the very word He spoke! What an amazing condescension! Realizing how great a risk the Father took in sending Jesus to this world should cause us to thank God more and more, and to be eternally grateful that Jesus is our Brother, who, fully divine, did not use His divinity for His own benefit, but depended step-by-step in answer to prayer to His Father for the unfolding of the plan that was laid from the foundation of the world. When we more fully appreciate the plan of salvation, we will find in it a theme for constant gratitude!!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #15 on: August 12, 2017, 06:21:02 AM »
I thought today about how Jesus came to this world and took our fallen humanity upon Himself, so that even though He was divine, He fully understood the weakness and sinfulness of humanity and could sympathize with us in our temptations to give us power to obey through the experience of faith He gained by relying upon the "exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4). Fallen humanity was not His in the sense that He ever sinned, for not even by a thought did He yield to temptation--but in taking upon Himself humanity Christ was sustained by the same agencies of grace that God gives us--His word, the privilege of prayer, and communion with God in nature by spending time in communion with our Heavenly Father. I marvel that Jesus, the Word, was sustained by relying fully upon the very word He spoke! What an amazing condescension! Realizing how great a risk the Father took in sending Jesus to this world should cause us to thank God more and more, and to be eternally grateful that Jesus is our Brother, who, fully divine, did not use His divinity for His own benefit, but depended step-by-step in answer to prayer to His Father for the unfolding of the plan that was laid from the foundation of the world. When we more fully appreciate the plan of salvation, we will find in it a theme for constant gratitude!!

Amen, Pastor Sean.  I too, thought on why Jesus came to this Earth, and why it was Jesus was glorified on the mount. In next Tuesday's Sabbath School lesson, the author missed an opportunity to teach an important truth as to why Jesus came to this Earth a helpless babe in the nature of fallen man to fight the battle of life as each of us must fight it. When we do not address the issues involved in the "great controversy" we err.

Satan has succeeded as he had with Israel, in deceiving God's people. Jesus came to rightly represent His Father, and to sweep away the garbage surrounding the law of God. He came to prove man can keep the law of God in fallen flesh. He set an example for us to follow. He gave the three disciples who were closest to Him, an opportunity to know He is the Son of God and all heaven knew what was going on in Israel. They understood the ones chosen of God to be His witnesses were rejecting the truths given to them. So it is today. God knows of the apostasy in the church. He wants us to know that He is in control. He sent Moses and Elijah so that Peter, James, and John would look  beyond what they saw with their eyes to the things which are unseen and eternal. So must we. God has given to us precious promises and great light. We are to be the agents through which God will

  Yet they received great light. They were assured that all heaven knew of the sin of the Jewish nation in rejecting Christ. They were given a clearer insight into the work of the Redeemer. They saw with their eyes and heard with their ears things that were beyond the comprehension of man. They were "eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16), and they realized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, to whom patriarchs and prophets had witnessed, and that He was recognized as such by the heavenly universe.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #16 on: August 12, 2017, 06:51:21 AM »
Amen, Pastor Sean. I too, thought of why Jesus came to this Earth, and why He had this meeting with Elijah and Moses. There is much instruction for us in the event.  Peter, James, and John had been deceived along with the nation as to the work of Jesus. Even after witnessing the meeting and His glory, their faith failed at His crucifixion.

So it is today. His people have rejected great truth and are also deceived as to the work of Christ in the Most Holy Place in heaven. In next Tuesday's Sabbath School lesson we see that the "great controversy" theme and its issues are not presented. The fact that Christ proved man can keep God's law is not seen as a reason why Christ came to this sin darkened spot in the universe. The disciples were given great light, yet when Jesus was crucified their faith let go. The deceptions Satan had brought into the church had had so deceived the nation, they put to death the Son of God.

We too, need to have our faith strengthened that we might look past what we see with our eyes, to the unseen things which are eternal. The events portrayed in today's reading is to do for us what it was designed to do for Peter, James, and John.

    Yet they received great light. They were assured that all heaven knew of the sin of the Jewish nation in rejecting Christ. They were given a clearer insight into the work of the Redeemer. They saw with their eyes and heard with their ears things that were beyond the comprehension of man. They were "eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16), and they realized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, to whom patriarchs and prophets had witnessed, and that He was recognized as such by the heavenly universe. 


What was intended was not wholly received, but after the cross the lessons were learned.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

JimB

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #17 on: November 07, 2017, 05:31:50 AM »
Failing to watch and pray, they had not received that which God desired to give them,--a knowledge of the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. They lost the blessing that might have been theirs through sharing His self-sacrifice. Slow of heart to believe were these disciples, little appreciative of the treasure with which Heaven sought to enrich them.
     Yet they received great light. They were assured that all heaven knew of the sin of the Jewish nation in rejecting Christ. They were given a clearer insight into the work of the Redeemer. They saw with their eyes and heard with their ears things that were beyond the comprehension of man. They were "eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16), and they realized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, to whom patriarchs and prophets had witnessed, and that He was recognized as such by the heavenly universe.


What a lesson for us today to be vigilant with our prayers and watching. They missed out on much because of it just like they missed the opportunity of encouraging Christ in the garden because they slept. Yet, not all was hidden from them. God in His mercy yet still showed them truths. This reminds of the story of Pilgrims Progress where Christian stopped to rest on the path on the way up to the Celestial City. As he slept his certificate for entrance into Heaven fell out of his hand. Later when he realized it and had to retrace his steps he severely chastised himself for falling asleep. There are times in our Christian experience for rest. Even in this great book there is a chapter called "Come Rest a While" but lets be on guard when it comes to sleeping as that is when the enemy comes and sows tares.
By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.  {DA 291.1}

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #18 on: November 07, 2017, 06:06:58 AM »
Amen, Jim! There is a time for rest, but when Jesus calls us to watch and pray, He has the power to strengthen us to behold Him, and by beholding Him we will be changed. This morning I was moved by the significance of Jesus' transfiguration and what it means for us in our Christian experience. Was Jesus transfigured for Himself? No--it was that His disciples would be strengthened and transformed in mind and character. He wanted them to be enabled to endure the greater test--His soon crucifixion. I decided to look up the root word for "transfigured," and you will be amazed and encouraged today:

Matthew 17:1-2
"And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light."


When it says "was transfigured," that comes from the Greek word "metamorphoo" which means "to change into another form, to transfigure; literally or figuratively, 'metamorphose'" and this word used this way only occurs four times in the New Testament. Think of the way a caterpillar goes through metamorphosis to become a butterfly--that is an illustration of the power of God's grace in the gospel.

This word is also in Mark 9:2: "And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them."

But the other two occurrences are so encouraging today in why the transfiguration means something for us so important. Here they are:

Romans 12:1-2: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Here it is translated "transformed"--but it is the same word! That means Jesus' transfiguration is but an outward demonstration of the kind of mind transformation He will give you when you fully surrender your life to Him and allow His Spirit to imbue your mind and heart--all of the fruits of the Spirit will be in your life without one missing by His power and grace! Powerful promise! Glorious reality for the Christian who abides in Christ!

Now, how do we get this experience? This brings us to the last verse that uses the word:

2 Corinthians 3:18: "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." Here, the word is translated "changed"--which means that your heart and mind are transfigured, or transformed as you behold the loveliness of Jesus! What a precious promise! May you never read the Transfiguration story the same way again. May you ever remember that Jesus' glory on that mount is the same glory and power that He will reveal in your heart and mind to bring about a metamorphosis in how you become like Jesus. That is why it would be well to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ, especially the closing scenes--because we become like what we behold. I want to be changed into Jesus' image, and I pray that is your desire and decision, too!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--46--He Was Transfigured
« Reply #19 on: November 07, 2017, 12:39:54 PM »
Amen! It is our only hope. If we forget about what we have seen, unbelief enters the heart and then we have no protection without Christ.

And, yes, Jim, we miss much when we do not watch and pray. In the Garden the same ones who had seen the glory of Christ, and knew He was the Messiah, did not watch and pray. The result? They all forsook Christ.

We may have rest. God has given one whole day each week to rest. But, the church is asleep and Satan has stolen a march on her. Many profess to love Jesus with the whole heart, but do not. They have been deceived as to what it means to be a converted Christian. It is time for the church awake to her blessings and responsibilities.

How weak is fallen humanity.

     Not all, even of the twelve, can receive the revelation He desires to give. Only the three who are to witness His anguish in Gethsemane have been chosen to be with Him on the mount. Now the burden of His prayer is that they may be given a manifestation of the glory He had with the Father before the world was, that His kingdom may be revealed to human eyes, and that His disciples may be strengthened to behold it. He pleads that they may witness a manifestation of His divinity that will comfort them in the hour of His supreme agony with the knowledge that He is of a surety the Son of God and that His shameful death is a part of the plan of redemption. 
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.