March 4, 2010

Mark 9:1-29
What event would be the most exciting thing that you could imagine for you to attend? For a sports enthusiast it might be the World Series, the Super Bowl, the Stanley Cup, the World Cup, the U.S. Open or Wimbledon etc. If you were a music enthusiast maybe it would be the New York Opera, the Boston Symphony, a Beetles concert etc. If you are into politics, maybe to sit next to the president during his inauguration would be your desire. If you are into U.S. history, maybe you would like to have been at the deliberations for the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Can you imagine being promised to see the kingdom of God present with power?
It happened to Peter, James and John up on the mount of Transfiguration. They saw it. There was no mistake. But Jesus thought it important to tell them part of the glory of it that they did not see, could not see and would not see for some time yet. But they would also attend that event and see it just as well. It would be just as mind boggling but not exciting. In the midst of this great event, where they saw the Son of Man in His glory, He asked them, “How is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt?” You see His crucifixion is part of the glory of the Son of Man, for his crucifixion provides for our attendance at His coronation. The kingdom of God was present with power at His crucifixion and resurrection.
Coming down from the great event, they were met with a power conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. There was a boy possessed by a deaf and dumb spirit from which the disciples could not release the boy. Jesus released him with one command. Why couldn’t they cast it out? This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting. I tend to focus on the need for prayer and fasting. But do you get the basis upon which the prayer and fasting is possible? The kingdom of God can come in power!
We may never experience the mount of Transfiguration until the rapture, but we can experience the Presence of the kingdom of God with power! Jesus does show His glory. It is present whenever the power of darkness is defeated. We can be victorious over sin. When we are, it glorifies Jesus, for in one more instance He has defeated the power of darkness. I might not see Him transfigured before me, but I can see Him transformed in me! That’s His glory! And I want to be present for all of that for which I can be present. Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!
--Pastor John