by Desiree Bustamante

When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.”
Matthew 17: 1-3, 5-8 New Living Translation

Tomorrow we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday, the beginning of the fulfillment of Jesus’ ministry on earth. Jesus led some of his disciples up to the top of a mountain. His appearance changed into light so bright that it generated paralyzing fear. His clothes appeared whiter than anything humanly possible to achieve. The disciples saw Jesus in all His glory, proof that HE was the Messiah they were expecting. Even Moses and Elijah appear to confirm that Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of a Savior.  The words of God the Father, spoken again as He did at Jesus’ baptism, further established the true identity of His son.

Peter, James, and John now know, beyond a doubt, Jesus is the very Son of God and that every word He says is true. After the shock of the event, once they lift up their eyes, they no longer see anything but Jesus.

No question who this Jesus is. He is God’s beloved Son.

Now Jesus is going to Jerusalem, not to take up a throne but to take up a cross. His journey leaves behind the brightness of His glory and ushers in days of darkened skies, extreme suffering and a gruesome death. But soon afterwards His power, glory and majesty will be revealed again.

Look up and see Jesus only. Know that He is the one who came to fulfill the promise of salvation and reigns eternally. Keep this in mind as Ash Wednesday arrives. Jesus can never be defeated. His power and glory are forever.

May we find the answer to our anxiety in Christ, who is all that we need.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado