Six days later three of them saw that glory. Jesus took Peter and the brothers James and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from inside out right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from His face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with Him. Peter broke in and said “Master this is a great moment. What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah?” While he was going on like this, babbling, a light radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice: This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to Him. Matthew 17:1-5 The Message
In this scripture, Jesus was transfigured and the divinity of his nature shows through his humanity. This transformation serves as a reminder to us that we are made in the image of God, and during this Lenten season, we have the opportunity to let our Godliness shine to those around us.
Transformation is defined as a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance. We have all known people in our lives (maybe even ourselves) who go through a transformation in appearance, personality, or even their lives. It could be a good transformation, or maybe through hardships and sorrow, it leaves a person visibly worn.
The story is told of Leonardo da Vinci who experienced this type of transformation while looking for someone to sit for his famous fresco of The Lord’s Supper. When he looked for someone to sit as the character of Judas Iscariot, he found just the right person – a man whose worn features mapped a life of despair and disillusionment. As Leonardo went to work, a strange feeling came over him. “I get the feeling we have met before, ” said the artist. “Yes,” replied the man, “I have sat here before. I was your model for Jesus. Since then, I have fallen on bad times and have lost family, friends – everything.” This kind of transformation can happen to anyone.
Recently at Asbury Seminary, the Holy Spirit began a transformation of lives. It started as usual at Wednesday morning chapel. The benediction was pronounced, the choir began a song, but students didn’t leave. They reported a quiet but powerful transcendence of the Holy Spirit and they stayed. During the next days, people from all over came to experience the revival. “There is nothing fancy, loud, or boisterous,” a student reported, “just people praying and experiencing humility, compassion, confession, consecration, and surrender unto the Lord.” A transformation in lives-right here, right now!
People there, just like the Disciples on that day on the mountain, reported wanting to freeze this moment in time, but rather than staying in the moment, it is good that they have begun to transform their lives and spread the experience to others.
So, how do we start the transformation during Lent this year? First, it seems we should seek to be more God centered rather than self centered. If we consider each decision and ask, “Is this for God or for me?” our lives will begin the transformation, and we can spread the spirit of love.
Next, filter out the negative impact of narrow minded people, media, and nay sayers. If we let other forces control us with doubt, dread, fear, insecurity, panic or anxiety, then we are allowing faithlessness to get the upper hand. We need the transformation of a sound mind.
Finally, we need the transformation of fearlessness in our faith. Too many of us live our lives being wishy washy or weak, when we should be filled with power and authority which comes when we walk with ability and meaning in life supplied by the Holy Spirit. When we are secure of who we are in Christ, we have the power of fearlessness.
We are called to be transformers in this world, but in order to transform anyone or anything in this world we need to first experience transformation in our own lives. Be a transformer!
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