and the One who walks with me on it.

Monday, November 03, 2014

Blinded By the Light…

       We were on the way to our destination in the county down a lonely country road when the lights from an opposing car appeared in the distance.  As they came closer we noticed they had their high beams on.  There was nothing we could do as modern vehicles don’t have lights that turn off, plus, they say you shouldn’t do that anyway.  So we quickly averted our eyes before we got blinded by the light- until the car passed.

       They say we can go blind or suffer optical damage by staring at the sun, but especially during an eclipse (without appropriate eye gear) because it seems like it is too dark to hurt us so we can star at it longer- which then causes far more damage.  Looking at the sun with our natural eyes will do that, but I don’t think it is the same with looking at the glory of the Lord.  There is an event in the life of Jesus that speaks to this in Luke with additional facts from other books:

Jesus took three disciples (Peter, James, John) and went up into the mountain to pray.
And as He prayed, the appearance of His countenance was altered, and His clothing was dazzling white. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His exodus*, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. *exit, departure, close of career, final fate, decease
But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep. But fully awakening, they saw His glory, and the two men who stood with Him. And in their parting from Him, it happened that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here. And let us make three tabernacles, one for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah; not knowing what he said. Lk. 9:29-33
For he did not know what to say, for they were very much afraid. Mr. 9:6
And as he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them. And they feared as they entered into the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My Son, the Beloved, hear Him. Lk. 9:34,35
And when the disciples heard, they fell on their face and were greatly terrified. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise and do not be terrified. Mt. 17:6,7

       We find that four men go up into the mountain to pray, but the disciples fall asleep (sound familiar?) while Jesus prays.  This can be like when we are spiritually asleep, not seeing or noticing His glory or that which God is doing around and in us- for He never or slumbers or sleeps (Ps. 121:4) but is always working for our good (Rm. 8:28).  This spiritual sleepiness/ lethargy is often based on the lack of good nutrition (the Word and Living Water) and proper rest (in Jesus).  A mental complacency, a life of ease and the sorrows of life can dull our perceptions of His glory shining around us.

       At last the disciples wake up and see a changed Jesus in splendour and glory beside Moses and Elijah speaking of the work Jesus was about to do in Jerusalem.  But there is not wonder or excitement mentioned, only fear, probably that of being sinners in the presence of glory and holiness.  Then they heard God’s voice, a cloud overshadowed them, they fell on their faces and were terrified.  I think I would fall on my face too.  All their fears and doubts must have come to the surface to laugh at them, “Hah, you did not really believe…”  We also struggle with doubts and fears.  “Is it true?  Is God really out for my best?  If He loves me then how can He allow me such pain…”

       If we are open to Him and awake, Jesus can reach out to us in those times bringing the comfort of His touch and assurance, and we if we stay nourished and rested, perhaps we can stay awake long enough to see His glory and the wonders of His working all around us.  Perhaps if we continue to draw closer to Him, His glory will help burn the dross out of our lives until only the pure gold shines through and His reflection shines on our being.  That would be a glorious day!

Father, I desire that those whom You have given Me, that they may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me, for You have loved Me before the foundation of the world. Jh. 17:24
But we all, with our face having been unveiled, having beheld the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are being changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord Spirit. 2Cr. 3:18