The transfiguration of Christ, which points to his resurrection and glorification, reminds us of our own coming transformation in glory. We are all with unveiled faces, beholding the glory of the Lord, being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. As we bear our crosses, remember the transfiguration and the end of our suffering, which is conforming to the image of Christ.

In our fallen nature, we want the crucified saviour without the cruciform life. But in our union with Christ, God has ordained that our path will be the path of his beloved son. If we are his and he is ours, our lives will pattern his life: and that pattern is suffering and then glory, the cross before the crown.