This sermon explores how believers can experience and reflect God's illuminating light through understanding and applying biblical teachings in their lives.
Good morning, beloved family of God. As we gather here today, let us remember that we are not alone. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, both seen and unseen, and we are held in the loving arms of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
In the words of the esteemed preacher Charles Spurgeon, "A good character when established is not easily overthrown and is a kind of heavenly estate in the universe." Let us remember that, as we come together today, we are not just individuals, but a part of a greater heavenly estate, a body of believers united in Christ.
Today, we are going to turn our hearts and minds to the illuminating light of God, as revealed in the Scriptures. We will look at Mark 9:2-9, where Jesus is transfigured before the disciples. We will also consider the story of Elijah being taken up to heaven in 2 Kings 2:1-12, and we will reflect on the words of Psalm 50:1-6.
Let us read together:
Mark 9:2-9: "After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, 'Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: 'This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!' Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus."
2 Kings 2:1-12: "When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, 'Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.' But Elisha said, 'As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.' So they went down to Bethel...And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven."
Psalm 50:1-6: "The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest. He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people: 'Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!' The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge!"
When we read the account of Jesus' transfiguration in Mark 9, we are given a glimpse into the divine nature of Christ. His clothes became dazzling white, a sight so extraordinary that no one on earth could replicate it. This was not a mere trick of the light or a figment of the disciples' imagination. This was a divine revelation, a manifestation of God's glory in Christ.
In this moment, the disciples were granted a vision of God's light. They saw Jesus as He truly is - the beloved Son of God, radiant in His divine glory. This was not just a physical light, but a spiritual light that revealed the truth of who Jesus is.
This light was not just for the disciples, but for all believers. When we come to faith in Christ, our spiritual eyes are opened, and we too can see this divine light. We see Jesus not just as a historical figure or a great teacher, but as the Son of God, our Saviour and Lord.
This vision of God's light is not a one-time event, but a continual process. As we grow in our faith, our understanding of who God is and what He has done for us deepens. We see more of His love, His grace, His mercy, His righteousness. We see more of His holiness, His justice, His sovereignty.
The story of Elijah's ascension to heaven in 2 Kings 2 also gives us insight into this vision of God's light. Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, a dramatic display of God's power and glory. This was not a natural phenomenon, but a supernatural event orchestrated by God.
Elisha, who witnessed this event, was given a vision of God's light. He saw the power of God in action, the reality of heaven, and the promise of eternal life. This vision strengthened his faith and equipped him for his prophetic ministry.
Like Elisha, we too are given a vision of God's light when we witness His power and glory. We see His hand at work in our lives, in the world around us, and in the pages of Scripture. We see His love in action, His promises fulfilled, His kingdom advancing.
This vision of God's light is not just for our benefit, but for the benefit of others. As we bear witness to God's light, we are called to share this vision with others. We are called to testify to His goodness, to proclaim His truth, to shine His light in the darkness.
The words of Psalm 50 remind us that God is the source of this light. He is the Mighty One, the Lord, who speaks and summons the earth. He shines forth from Zion, the perfection of beauty. He is the judge of all, the righteous One, the faithful One.
When we see this light, we are seeing a reflection of God's character. We are seeing His holiness, His justice, His faithfulness. We are seeing His love, His mercy, His grace.
This vision of God's light is not just a passive observation, but an active response. As we see God's light, we are called to respond in worship, in obedience, in love. We are called to live in a way that reflects His light, to be a beacon of His love and truth in the world.
The transfiguration of Jesus, as described in Mark 9:2-9, is a pivotal moment in the New Testament ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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