Are You Beholding the Glory of Jesus?

August 06, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” The Collect for The Transfiguration, Book of Common Prayer, p. 243.

On an ordinary day for Peter, John, and James, Jesus was headed up to the mountain for a time of prayer, and he invited these three disciples to join him. As they walked up the mountain, they enjoyed a normal conversation. It neither had any extra excitement nor did it give any forewarning from Jesus of what they would soon see and hear. It was just an ordinary day until Jesus was transfigured before them: “And as he was praying the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white” (Luke 9:29). Sleepy disciples were quickly awakened by glory shining about them.

You are probably having an ordinary day today. Like any other Sunday, you head to church where you are invited to worship the King of kings. You lift your voice in singing, hear the Word of the Lord read and preached, come forth to receive communion, and participate in the prayers. It is just another Sunday, or is it?

Today, the church celebrates the transfiguration of Jesus. As Jesus prayed, the most unexpected and glorious thing occurred – Jesus was transfigured. It was as if God removed the covering of his flesh so the disciples could see the true glory of Jesus hiding beneath it. Yes, Jesus was a man, but he was much more than a man. Jesus was God incarnate, the Son of God, and the one to whom they were to listen. The disciples saw the glory of Jesus, saw Elijah and Moses with him, and heard the voice of the Father from heaven declaring Jesus to be his Son, his “Chosen One” (see Luke 9:35).

Imagine how this experience on the Mount of Transfiguration changed Peter, John, and James. Then, consider how Jesus invites you to behold his glory on ordinary days like today. When you come into worship today, you stand on holy ground. Jesus is present among you. He hears your singing and prayers. He receives your worship, and he nourishes you through his body and blood.

Today, you are invited to behold the glory of Jesus. Will you come and see? Join the church and pray the words of the Collect for today, “Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty”. He is so much more than your desire to sleep late, more than the work you need to get done, or the errands you must run. You will find so much more glory in the person of Jesus Christ than you will ever find on a golf course, the water, or even your favorite vacation spot.

Jesus was and is the reflection of the glory of God. Come and behold his glory today. Then, join in the worship of the King!

Reflection:

How do you view worship? Do you recognize the invitation to behold the glory of God, to be transformed by that glory, and to let that experience inform every aspect of your being and doing? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

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