Dear Church,
Yesterday in Mark 9, we saw Peter, James, and John led by Jesus up a high mountain by themselves. And there, before their eyes, Jesus was transfigured. His clothes became radiant, whiter than anyone on earth could bleach them. Moses and Elijah appeared talking with Him. The glory of Christ was unveiled breathtakingly.
This was a monumental moment for the disciples. Peter never forgot it. Decades later, he still writes about it in 2 Peter 1:16–18 as a defining moment of his life and ministry. But here is something deeply important to remember: As glorious as the Mount of Transfiguration was… that moment alone did not ultimately transform the disciples.
What changed them forever was not merely seeing external glory… but experiencing internal regeneration. Not just witnessing a miracle… but becoming a new creation through the Spirit of God. The disciples saw the glory of Jesus on the mountain. But later, after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the glory of God would dwell within them. Being born again by the Spirit of God is the great miracle, the greatest display of the glory of God ever.
And that is still the greatest miracle today. Greater than signs. Greater than emotional moments. Greater than spiritual experiences. A dead sinner made alive in Christ. A heart of stone is becoming soft. Blind eyes opening to the beauty of Jesus. The Transfiguration revealed who Jesus is. But being born again by the Holy Spirit reveals what Jesus does IN AND THROUGH US. And when the Holy Spirit comes upon a believer, Christ gives a command: “You will be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:8)
Church, are we witnessing Christ? In our prayers… In our attitudes… In our conversations…In the way we speak to one another… In hearts that genuinely desire what God desires?
As a church family, we are walking through important conversations and decisions together. May we be people who do not merely talk about Jesus on the mountain… but as bearers of His Spirit, may we be people who witness Jesus in everyday life.
The greatest display of God’s glory may not simply be a shining mountain…but a regenerated life faithfully reflecting Christ to the world. Revelation tells us that the people of God “overcame him(Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”(R 12:11) Satan is not overcome by cleverness, arguments, or outward appearances… but by believers whose lives have been transformed by Jesus and who faithfully bear witness to Him. This is my hope for our church.
Be Encouraged,
Mathews
