The True Face of God  http://www.inklings.vze.com/

by Deborah Beach Giordano
© February 5, 2007 (text only)

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John off by themselves and led them up a high mountain. There he was transformed before them: his face as radiant as the sun, and the cloak around him became pure light.

 

All at once they could see Moses and Elijah, speaking with him.

Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is so great that we are here! If you want, I can put up three tents right here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

While he was still babbling, a cloud of light surrounded them, and a voice spoke from within the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"

Hearing this, the disciples prostrated themselves upon the ground, and were terrified.

Taking hold of them, Jesus said, "Get up! Do not be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one else; only Jesus.

As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Don't tell anybody about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

      ~ the Gospel according to Matthew 17:1-9

And so ends Matthew's description of the Transfiguration: when Jesus' glory was revealed to Peter, James, and John. The effect it had on them was nothing less than earth-shaking; for it had been said that "no one shall see the face of the Lord and live" (Exodus 33:20). Their proximity to those prophets who had seen God face to face must have convinced the disciples that they were standing on the edge of Eternity. The party, as they say, was over.

Yet their fear and trembling was unnecessary. After the vision — this insight into Ultimate Reality — faded, Jesus took each one by the arm; sort of shaking them out of their stunned terror: "Snap out of it! Don't be afraid!"

Don't be afraid! It is only Me.

It is One who has come to bless and nourish and heal you; the One who forgives and loves you. Do not be afraid.

At the transfiguration, the "real Jesus" shined through: the radiant glory and power of the Lord was revealed. And His nature didn't change: he didn't turn into the Angry Judge; he did not start throwing lightning bolts and condemnations. The Son of God remained gentle, approachable, caring, and compassionate. And he still had an uphill battle in getting that point across to his followers.

Somehow or other, the Beloved had gotten a bad rep. The One who had lovingly created the earth; who had lead the People out of slavery, providing all they needed for 40 years; the adoring Spouse who had pledged to be with them forever — had been transformed. God had begun to seem distant, angry, and unapproachable.

Perhaps it was due to the prophets' angry denunciations of the rich and powerful, perhaps the priests' insistence that no one but they could approach the Holy One, perhaps it was the peoples' sense of their own imperfect nature. Whatever the cause, a barrier had been erected between God and God's people. And the Beloved sent Jesus to push it aside; to reach across the divide and touch our hearts.

"Listen to him!" the Voice from heaven commands.

And Jesus said, "Don't be afraid!"

Our Creator does not intend to inspire our fear or dread; the Holy One doesn't want to be kept at a "safe distance" from humanity; the Beloved doesn't need to be "protected" from the reality of our lives. God is with us.

The life of Christ is a revelation of God's love for us. The Holy One is not a terrible and unapproachable Being, but a Friend: a Companion on the Journey who cares for us deeply and truly. Nothing in our lives is too great or too small to bring to our Dear Friend in prayer. No concern is unimportant, no sin too terrible to be discussed, no desire needs to be hidden.

God is on our side. The Holy One is not a Judge who condemns, but an Advocate who protects us, guides us, and comforts us.

"I came not to judge the world, but to save the world."
      ~ John 12:47

The Transfiguration of our Lord is a time for great celebration: for God's true character has been revealed to us. Our Creator and Redeemer is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The Word from heaven is Good News.

Rejoice and do not be afraid.

Virtual hugs and real-time blessings,

Deborah +