Robert Louis Stevenson tells of a ship, tossed by a violent storm, which threatened to drive it and its passengers to destruction along a rocky coast.
In the midst of the terror, one daring man, contrary to orders, went to the main deck, making a dangerous passage to the pilothouse. He looked through a porthole and saw the coxswain (ships Pilot) at his post holding the wheel unwaveringly, and inch by inch, turning the ship out, once more, to sea.
Noticing the seeker, the coxswain smiled and nodded his head to him. The daring passenger left, fighting his way below decks and back to where he came from. As he returned, he shared these words of cheer: "I have seen the face of the pilot, and he smiled at me. He is at the helm. All is well."
[A commitment to spiritual formation leads to a new vision of Christ, that allows us to say with absolute conviction, “I have seen the face of the pilot, and he smiled at me. He is at the helm. All is well.”]
I. INTRODUCTION
1. The Church refers to Epiphany as the season of light: the light of Christ coming into the world. Epiphany Season begins with the Baptism of Jesus and concludes with his Transfiguration (today).
2. Transfiguration is “a dramatic change in appearance, especially one that glorifies or exalts somebody”. God reveals a glimpse of Christ’s glory to Peter, James and John.
A. God assures the three that Jesus is who he says he is, and therefore is Master of all things, including the suffering he will face very soon.
B. God affirms Jesus as his beloved Son, in whom all the promises of the Law and the prophets are fulfilled.
3. To grasp the significance of the transfiguration, we must put it in its context.
A. Jesus has just performed several miracles before their eyes. In light of these supernatural events, the disciples find it easy to follow Jesus. So far, so good.
B. Jesus then asks the disciples who people say that he is. The disciples report that some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.
C. Jesus then asks for their decision. Who do you say that I am? Now it gets harder, but Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
D. Suddenly it gets very hard; Jesus explains his pending suffering and death at Jerusalem. This is hard for the disciples to hear; Jesus is the Messiah! How can he suffer and die like a common criminal?
E. Peter pulls Jesus aside and rebukes him for thinking such a terrible thing. Jesus corrects him, reminding him of the cost of discipleship and the fulfillment of his purpose. This is inconceivable to Peter and the others with their current understanding of Christ; they must experience a new vision of him (transfiguration). OYBT Mt.17 as we join Peter, James and John on the mountain.
II. THE TRANSFIGURATION
1. The three go up on the mountain (likely Mt. Hermon) with Jesus to be alone. Jesus enjoys solitude to pray, rest, or to teach his disciples. In this case, the latter is implied. He has something to show them—he is transfigured (metemorfw¿qh) before their very eyes:
A. His face shines like the sun; his clothes become as white as the light, and Moses and Elijah appear before them, talking with Jesus.
B. Immediately they sense his divine presence; Peter says’ “It is good to be here”
C. A bright cloud envelopes them, and a voice from the cloud says, “This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
D. The disciples are terrified and fall facedown on the ground. Jesus touches them, calms their fears and tells them to get up. As they do, they see no one but Jesus.
2. Peter, James and John have a new vision of Jesus. Suddenly, the limitations they may imposed on him vanish. They see a glimpse Christ’s glory, and it changes everything—(note Peter’s response in v.4).
[A commitment to spiritual formation leads to a new vision of Christ, that allows us to say with absolute conviction, “I have seen the face of the pilot, and he smiled at me. He is at the helm. All is well.”]
III. APPLICATION: WHY IS THIS TEXT IMPORTANT TO US?
1. Ash Wednesday (Mar 1) begins the Season of Lent—a the time for born again Christians to engage in self-denial and dedication to Christ: forty days of spiritual formation—seeking God, through one or more spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, study, meditation, and submission (et al.).
2. We seek a new vision of Christ; to know him more intimately; see him more clearly than ever before. We denounce distraction, and yield to His will and desire for us. Let me share some observations on this concept from the text:
A. Christ wants to be alone with us (v. 1). If you are serious about spiritual formation (growth), you spend time alone with Him every day. Many Christians think they will grow spiritually just by hanging out in church on a Sunday. When Satan tempts you with that lie, forget it; it won’t happen. If you want a new, fresh vision of Christ, you must daily seek him. Period.
B. We will sense his divine presence immediately (v. 4). Whether you fast, study or meditate on his word, practice submission to those around you, or develop a deeper and more meaningful prayer discipline, I can assure you, based on Peter’s experience, that you will feel the power of Christ in you as you commit to him.
C. God will speak to us as we are in the presence of Christ (v. 5). What is troubling you? Is it sin, debt, career woes, family stress or disharmony? Are you struggling to know God’s will in your life or circumstances? Note—God didn’t speak to the disciples until they were overwhelmed by Christ’s glorified presence. I ask you, what are the odds that He will speak to you if your quiet time is anything but quiet?
D. We will see no one but Jesus (v. 6-7). The woes of the world, the distractions of life and your own selfish desires melt away when you are truly in his presence. Like the troubled sea passenger who gets a comforting nod from the coxswain, you realize that all is well – God, through Christ, is at the helm; I will fear nothing.
IV. CONCLUSION
1. We should note something else in this account. Overwhelmed by his new vision of Christ, Peter responds, “It is good to be here”. He offers to build three shelters, a gesture meant to honor those before him. There is some relevance here:
A. The pagans of this era built high places (i.e., shrines) for their gods, that people might worship appropriately before them. The shrines immobilized the gods, making worship possible for their followers.
B. Peter’s suggestion is an honorable one; he wants to worship and spend more time in Christ’s presence; but Jesus tells them not to tell anyone. The time is not yet come; Christ must face death, be buried and resurrected; any compromise of his mission is unacceptable.
2. This brings us to our mission. The goal of this 40-day commitment is not evangelism; it is not a season to identify and address the needs of others—it is between you and the Lord—personal time.
A. This does not mean you cannot share your testimony with someone, or invite them him or her to accept Christ; it simply means that in the next 40 days the emphasis is on your own spiritual formation through the use and application of one or more spiritual disciplines.
[A commitment to spiritual formation leads to a new vision of Christ, that allows us to say with absolute conviction, “I have seen the face of the pilot, and he smiled at me. He is at the helm. All is well.”]
V. CHALLENGE
1. Choose the discipline of your choice from the list. Then make a firm, measurable commitment to spend time daily in that discipline as you seek a new vision of Christ’s power. As God transfigured Christ, he will transform you, shaping you in the image of his Son.
2. As we gather during Lent, we will practice the corporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance and celebration. Together we seek a new vision of Christ.
