The transfiguration is a rare moment of respite and balm for both the

disciples, and Jesus, in the middle of the struggles of ministry. Despite

the teaching, the healing, the deliverance and the miracles, Jesus is still

opposed, threatened and misunderstood. Even his closest friends don’t

really get it. And soon, he will make it to Jerusalem where suffering and

execution await.

But here, on the mountain, Jesus is glorified. It is a moment of glory and

wonder: the cloud of God’s presence enveloping all who witness it. It must

have been wonderful to experience! If Jesus needed such a moment of respite

from the brokenness of the world, how much more do we?

This week in Los Angeles has been a terrible reminder of the chaos of our

world. But, thanks to Jesus, his glory and the presence of God is available

to us all the time. This talk is a call to worship the divine Son of God

and enter into his presence. Especially in times of trouble, there is no

better place for us to be. In his presence, we are transformed - our

motives, our prayers, our thoughts, and our desires are all aligned with

his - and we are best able to be his people to a world in need.

By Ed Flint