First in Rags

“And as Jesus was praying, the appearance of His face was altered, and His clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were talking with Him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:29-31)

For that fleeting moment, Jesus looked how we would expect the Son of God to look: dazzlingly bright, standing in a cloud with Moses and Elijah while God's booming voice commanded that we listen to Him. Peter wanted to stay there. He didn’t know what he was saying because he didn't understand the departure Jesus would accomplish at Jerusalem. He didn't understand the necessity for Jesus to give up His throne in heaven, His glory, in order that we all might be transfigured.

Peter didn't understand that this beautiful, dazzling Messiah had to die a sinner's death. Who would? Peter wanted to stay on that mountain because there was the God he expected. There was the God we all expected.

I tell you what: I don't look saved. Inside or out. I don't feel like an heir to the Kingdom of God. I don't look like someone the Son of God would die for, someone God the Father would give His only Son for. I don't feel like someone God loves.

Appearances (and feelings) can be deceiving. I am someone God loves. You are someone God loves. But for the time being, our true baptized selves are hidden in rags of our own: a body that's ravaged by crosses just like Jesus' was. Because He was ravaged, we too will be transfigured into dazzling bright, beautiful people of God one day and for good, but like Peter, we have to wait a little longer before we can stay in that heavenly cloud.

Suggested verse to repeat if it's a difficult day is from Romans 5:6b

PRC buddies, remember to breathe!

"Christ died -------> 5 count inhale

for the ungodly." -------> 5 count exhale