In Due Time We Shall Reap
It was Peter, James and John that went up the mountain with
Jesus. They were overwhelmed by what they saw and heard that day. It was awesome
in every since of the word. We use the word "awesome" a lot. Even about things
that are not awesome; like a football game or a movie or a car. But those things
are not awesome. They might be interesting or exciting or even surprising. But
here is awesome:
"Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and
led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured
before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white
as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Peter
said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make
three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.'
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a
voice out of the cloud said, 'This is My beloved Son, with whom I am
well-pleased; listen to Him!' When the disciples heard this, they fell face down
to the ground and were terrified. And
Jesus came to them and touched them and said, 'Get up, and do not be afraid.'
And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone." (Matthew
17:1-8).
Now, why did these three men fall on the ground like that? Was it because they
had the utmost respect for Jesus as believers? No! Now, they did have this great
reverence for God's Son, but that is not why they reacted to the event by
falling to the ground. Anyone would have reacted in a similar way. Suppose it
had not been Peter, James and John with Jesus, but rather Herod, or Pilate, or
even Caesar. Would these ungodly men have felt no awe? I suggest they would have
been overcome with awe and with terror as well.
Likewise, there will be nothing but awe when we see the glorified Son of God at
the last moment of this universe's existence. This awe will not fill the hearts
of only believers and disciples, but also the unbeliever, the doubter, the
hypocrite, the blasphemer, the mocker. There will be no "tough guys" that day!
There will be awe and terror on the part of some, and awe and joy on the part of
others. But there will be awe in everyone. Let Jesus be
your Lord and Savior. Let that final moment be one of victory. Obey His gospel
and live for Him each day. Never give up. Your eternal blessings are waiting.
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will
also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap
corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal
life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do
not grow weary." (Galatians 6:7-9)
By Jon W. Quinn
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From Expository Files 10.4; April 2003
