Circuit Thoughts

Right now, I’m looking out my window at ice on the ground, rain coming down, and the sound of thunder in the air. “Thunder Ice” sounds like a bad B movie on Netflix, but that’s what we have. The temp has warmed to a balmy 32 degrees but will plummet to the nether regions when it gets dark. Don’t you just love February in Missouri?

Meanwhile, I am preparing for this Sunday. This Sunday marks the last Sunday before Lent. It also celebrates a wonderful miracle, the Transfiguration. You can read all about it in Luke 9:28-43. In a nutshell, Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up on the mountain. While there, Jesus starts to shine, his clothes become whiter than anything. Then to top it all off, Elijah and Moses show up, and God proclaims Jesus as his son. Pretty intense scene, and the disciples were, well, overwhelmed would be an understatement.

Now, if you have been in Sunday School, you know this story, if not, then read it, but I think the truly interesting part happens starting at verse 37. You see, the next day, after all of this, a dad brings his son, who is possessed by a demon to the disciples. The disciples fail in casting this demon out, so dad goes to Jesus. There is more detail given in Mark, but Jesus casts the demon out.

The fact of the matter is the boy was transfigured also. Now, before you chase me out of town with torches and pitchforks, let me explain. Transformation happens when something changes. Regardless of if it goes from bad to good, or good to bad there is still a change. Transfiguration, however, is when something goes from bad to good, or good to best, or best to absolute awesomeness. Jesus transfigured on the mountain top when he went from the human realm to God’s Kingdom. God proclaimed him his son. Enough said.

The boy, who was demon possessed was at the low of lows in life. His very body was not his own. He was imprisoned by a spirit that would hurt him just for fun. Jesus steps in, and the boy is better than he has ever been. The child is no longer a demon possessed monster, but a beautiful child of God. He too was transfigured.

When we come to know Christ, transfiguration takes place, because we become imitators of Christ. The image of Christ that was hidden in us, is now the image people see, because Christ is in our lives. We can transform into a better form, or worse form, but we can only transfigure into a best form. In fact, when Christ comes in final victory, our final form will be pure perfection.

Want to know more, get on your knees, and accept Christ. Get to church and learn more. Become the disciple and the transfigured creation God has called you to be.

Right now, the world needs transfigured followers of Christ. Are you that person?

See you in church.