A number of years ago the HCG diet was really popular – with a very low calorie diet and these magic drops, a person could lose a pound a day. Within a very short length of time, radical transformation was possible . . . ‘at least on the outside, and at least for a while. Let’s just say, I’m well acquainted with the diet plan.
This last week, we read Matthew’s 17th chapter, which starts with the Transfiguration. The story is also described in Mark and Luke’s gospel. I cannot stop thinking about the Transfiguration. Jesus goes up on a mountain to pray, taking Peter, James and John with him. As Jesus is praying, his divinity is unveiled to them. His appearance is transformed—Jesus’ face shines like the sun and his clothing is dazzling white, divinely changed! Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear and begin talking with Jesus, confirming to Jesus that he is to continue toward Jerusalem, where an eventual death awaits him. Jesus goes to the mountain to seek God’s will … nothing is more important to Jesus than being in the Father’s will.
As Peter, man of action, is asking Jesus if he should make shelters for Moses, Elijah and Jesus, a bright cloud covers them and a voice is heard, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” In response, Peter, James and John fall facedown, terrified, in the face of the awesome voice and pronouncement of God. [How would you respond if you heard the audible voice of God speak?]
But Jesus reaches down and touches them, telling them to get up, and not be afraid. They now see Jesus is alone again, Moses and Elijah no longer there. >So, Jesus is transformed before Peter, James and John, while on the mountain seeking to know and be in God’s will. Transformation linked with God’s will.1
I am struck by the Greek word for transfigured, also the same word for transformed. >‘Metamorphoo’ means to transform, literally or figuratively to metamorphose, or to change. It is the same Greek word Paul used in Romans 12.2, when he said,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—
His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
What is Paul saying to us here? First, he is saying we have a choice. We can be swept up in all that is deemed important and valuable in our culture, or we can choose to be a woman or man who thinks great thoughts. We can be intentional in choosing to think great thoughts: true, pure, wise, righteous, lovely, honoring, and God-pleasing thoughts. Paul gave us a great starting point: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”2 But in order to do so, our minds have to be renewed, which in turn will transform us—our attitudes, viewpoints, worldview will be God-honoring and God-oriented. Good thinking matters tremendously.
Years ago, I had the good fortune of going to Urbana 79 – a world missions conference with 19,998 other college students at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. I heard the top thinkers and influencers of Christian thinking at the time—it was amazing! (I turned 19 while I was there). John Stott, a stately, godly Anglican preacher made a big impression on me; it was Stott who said, “Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny.” Do you not see the power in a thought?!
A renewed mind—by the truth and power in the Word of God, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us—leads to radical transformation. I have seen it in people’s lives! And, Paul says, then we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Stop, think … on the Mt. of Transfiguration – transformation linked with knowing and being in God’s will, right? Now Paul is linking our transformation with knowledge of God’s will. This is good stuff.
One Greek word, metamorphoo – so packed with meaning for us. Meditate on the transformation that leads to and keeps us in God’s will. Then you too will be a shining example to those around you.
1 – Matthew 17.1-8; Luke 9.28-36
2 – Philippians 4.8 |
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