The Transformative Power of Encountering God's Glory.

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to take God seriously? To revere His name and fear Him in a way that's not just lip service, but a genuine, life-altering reverence? These are profound questions that strike at the very core of our faith journey.

In our world today, it's all too easy to fall into a pattern of casual Christianity - going through the motions, attending church, and claiming faith without truly experiencing the transformative power of God's presence. But what if there's more? What if the key to authentic, vibrant faith lies not in our own efforts, but in encountering the glory of God Himself?

Let's explore this idea through the lens of a powerful biblical account: the Transfiguration of Jesus, as recorded in Luke 9:28-36. This extraordinary event offers us profound insights into the nature of true faith and the impact of witnessing God's glory firsthand.

The scene opens with Jesus taking three of His disciples—Peter, James, and John—up a mountain to pray. Now, this wasn't just any ordinary prayer retreat. Throughout the Gospels, we see mountains playing a significant role in Jesus' ministry. They're places of divine encounters, miracles, and pivotal moments. So when we read about Jesus ascending a mountain with His closest disciples, we should pay attention—something momentous is about to unfold.

As Jesus prays, an astonishing transformation occurs. His face changes, and His clothes become dazzling white, "as bright as a flash of lightning." This isn't just a physical makeover; it's a glimpse of Jesus' divine nature breaking through His human form. For the first time in His earthly ministry, Jesus' outward appearance aligns with His true identity as the Son of God.

But the spectacle doesn't end there. Suddenly, two figures appear alongside Jesus: Moses and Elijah. These aren't just any historical figures; they're titans of the Jewish faith, representing the Law and the Prophets. Their presence alongside the transfigured Jesus speaks volumes about His identity and mission. They're not opposing or overshadowing Him—they're affirming Him as the fulfillment of all that came before.

Now, let's focus on Peter's reaction, because it's here that we find a profound truth about encountering God's glory. Overwhelmed by what he's witnessing, Peter blurts out, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."

At first glance, this might seem like a nonsensical response. But there's more to Peter's words than meets the eye. The Greek word used for "shelters" is the same word used for "tabernacle" in the Old Testament. Without fully realizing it, Peter is expressing a deep-seated longing for the restoration of God's presence among His people—a hope central to Jewish faith.

This moment reveals a profound truth: when we truly encounter the glory of God, our natural response is to desire His Kingdom, even if we don't fully understand what we're asking for. It's an instinctive reaction to the overwhelming beauty and majesty of God's presence.

Doesn't this remind you of the Lord's Prayer? "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." When we witness God's glory, we can't help but long for His reign to be fully established.

This brings us to a crucial question: How can we know if we've truly encountered the living Christ? The answer lies in our heart's desires and the direction of our lives. If you find yourself seeking God's Kingdom - in your work, your relationships, your decisions—even when it's challenging or goes against the grain of society, it's a sign that you've been touched by His glory.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: If we claim to have met Jesus, yet have no desire to commit to His ways or to see His Kingdom established, we need to seriously examine the authenticity of our encounter. True encounters with Christ always bring change. It may not be instantaneous or dramatic, but there will be a shift in our priorities, our desires, and our actions.

This isn't about trying harder or doing more religious activities. It's about recognizing our need for a genuine encounter with God's glory. Many of us have grown up in church, going through the motions of faith without ever experiencing the awe-inspiring presence of God that Peter witnessed on that mountain.

The glory of Christ is unlike anything this world has to offer. It surpasses worldly success, fame, and power. Yet, how often do we find ourselves glorifying these temporal things while treating our relationship with God casually? We may be punctual and respectful at work, but arrive late to worship without a second thought. We may dress up to meet important people, but approach God with a "He'll love me anyway" attitude.

This casual approach to faith stems from a lack of experiencing God's glory. We haven't seen it, so we don't fully grasp its magnitude or importance. But here's the good news: we can pray for it. We can seek it. We can ask God to reveal His glory to us.

"God, show me your glory. Let your glory fall upon me." This should be our daily prayer. Because when we encounter God's glory, reverence and honor naturally flow from our hearts. It's not about striving or forcing ourselves to be more committed—it's about being so captivated by God's majesty that we can't help but live for Him.

Our faith journey must begin here—with the glory of God. Without it, our faith lacks foundation and power. But when we witness His glory, even the most unlikely among us—like Peter, an unqualified fisherman—can proclaim the Kingdom of God.

So, wherever you are in your faith journey, I encourage you to start fresh. Set aside preconceptions and past experiences. If you've never truly encountered God's glory, pray for it. If you've experienced it but the memory has faded, ask God to reveal Himself anew.

Remember, there's nothing good in us that we can bring to God on our own. Our efforts, no matter how sincere, fall short. But when we encounter the glory of Christ, everything changes. We're transformed from the inside out, and our lives begin to naturally align with God's Kingdom.

Are you ready to experience the transformative power of God's glory? Are you willing to let it reshape your priorities, your desires, and your actions? The invitation is open. The mountain of transfiguration awaits. Will you ascend and behold the glory of God?