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