From the desk of Pastor Ben
Aftermath of the Transfiguration

Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” (Matthew 17:7-9)

Jesus’ first actions and words after His mighty display of splendor were those of gentle and loving care. Knowing the great fear of His 3 beloved companions, Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” As they looked up, it must have been a great relief to see “no one except Jesus Himself alone.”

The disciples realized they had witnessed a preview of the Lord’s second coming glory. And once they regained their composure, they must have had a strong desire to run down and report their astounding experience to the other disciples and to anyone else who would listen. But then the Lord said, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” How extremely difficult it must have been to keep the vision to themselves.

But the wait would be worth it for the people. For when they would hear the story after Jesus had risen from the dead, it would be clear that He had not come to conquer the Romans, but to conquer death.

Ask Yourself:
From terrifying glory to gentle compassion — that is the blessed entirety of our Lord’s nature. And He knows just when to reveal either or all of them to us, depending on our need, depending on His purposes. Worship Him today for His absolute completeness.