The Kingdom of God

"I  tell you the truth: there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God."
About eight days after these words, He took Peter, John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As he was praying the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly two men were talking with Him- Moses and Elijah. They appeared in glory and were speaking  of His death, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep and when they became fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who were standing with Him. Peter said to Jesus, 'it's good for us to be here! Let us make three tabernacles for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah'- not knowing what he said.
While he was saying this a cloud appeared and overshadowed them. They became afraid as they entered the cloud. Then a voice came from the cloud, saying:
"This is My Son, the Chosen One, listen to Him!"
After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was found. They kept silent, and in those days told no one what they had seen. Luke 9:28-36

What an experience! Luke tells us the disciples were in a deep sleep and then awoke and saw the transfiguration of Jesus, Moses and Elijah and then heard God Himself speaking. I know when I have been in a deep sleep it takes a while for all the marbles to go into place and the fog to lift.

I remember the night the television reported the twin towers coming down in New York. I i was in a deep sleep and my husband came running in trying to wake me, I struggled to comprehend what he was saying and it wasn't until the next day that I fully absorbed what was going on. I would have bumbled along, just like Peter, or probably worse.

Jesus had promised that some would not see death until they had seen the kingdom of God. This scripture comes just before the actually story of the transfiguration. Therefore we can assume that this was 'seeing the Kingdom of God.' The kingdom of God as many aspects to it: righteousness, peace, joy, purity, truth, healing, good government but best of all, God Himself. The saints of old are there as well.

The disciples needed this experience. However, I note that the disciples were asleep when Jesus, Moses and Elijah were speaking about His coming death. This means He must of told them about this at a later date.

What does this do for us? Verifies He is the Messiah, He is God. Shows us His willingness to work with mere silly mortals and His desire for us to know Him. I am grateful He perseveres with me and does not leave, that He reveals Himself to me. Thank You Lord! Amen!

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