The Vision

August 6: Feast of the Transfiguration  

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9; 2Peter 1:16-19; Matthew 17:1-9

Thoughts to help us surrender to Jesus expressing himself through us in ministry.

“The mountains melt like wax before the Lord.” Psalm 97:5

The essence of “Fear of the Lord” is proportion. Imagine fear without the emotion of fright. What is left? Perspective. How great, powerful, good, wise, loving God is compared to us. This “Fear of the Lord” gives joy, hope, confidence, encouragement. God is great beyond all imagining. And he is on our side.

What the disciples got on the mountain was a glimpse of Jesus in his glory. Later, when they felt fear of human beings, when the obstacles to their ministry seemed insurmountable, or the weight of their own sins and weakness was crushing them, all they had to do was remember the vision. The answer to all their problems was, “Jesus is Lord.”

“The mountains melt like wax before the Lord.” All fears, obstacles, problems and preoccupations “melt like wax” before the vision of what Jesus really is; what he is able to do for us, wants to do for us, is doing for us, whether we see it or not. In the awareness of who and what Jesus is, all mountains are reduced to molehills.

Jesus rose from the dead. He conquered sin and death. He said, “In me you may have peace… I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He is God the Son. His Father is our Father. His Spirit is enlightening, empowering the hearts of all who believe.

PRAY: “Lord, it is good you are here.”

PRACTICE: Keep him in the picture.