The Joy of the Radiant King: Day 13 of Joy
He is glorious.
He was transfigured in front of them, and his face shone like the sun; his clothes became as white as the light. ... a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said: ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown and were terrified.
— Matthew 17:2, 5-6 CSB
We sometimes get so used to the “Lowly Jesus,” the one who walked in the dust, felt hunger, and wept with his friends, that we forget His true nature. In the daily grind, our vision of Him can become blurred by the dense fog of our own problems, seeing Him merely as a “helper” or a “consultant” for our lives.
But on the Mount of Transfiguration, the veil was pulled back. For a few brief moments, Peter, James, and John didn’t just see a carpenter; they saw that He is glorious.
His face didn’t just reflect the sun; it “shone like the sun.” Unsinkable joy isn’t found in looking at our own reflection or our own progress; it is found in looking at Him. When the disciples saw His majesty, they were terrified, but that fear was quickly replaced by a profound realization: the One who is “Enough” for our salvation is also the Lord of All Glory.
The King who has all authority (see Day 12) is also infinitely beautiful. When we are affected by the ugliness of the world, which includes division, decay, and darkness, we can find rest by turning our eyes toward the Radiant King. The glory they saw on the mountain is the same glory that lives within you, as a believer, through His Spirit. You aren’t just following a good man; you are walking with the Sun of Righteousness.
The 90/10 Rule of Glory
[read this article to learn more about the 90/10 rule]
The 10%: The “shadows” of this world: the mundane tasks, the discouraging news, and the gray areas of life that feel dim and lifeless.
The 90%: The blinding, beautiful reality of Jesus’ glory. He is the light that no darkness can overcome.
If you focus on the 10 percent, you will live a “dim” life, always squinting to find hope. When you give the 90 percent of your attention to the fact that He is glorious, your perspective changes. You realize that the darkness isn’t winning; it’s just the backdrop for His light to shine even brighter.
Today, take five minutes to step away from the “gray” of your to-do list. Close your eyes and picture the Transfigured Christ—the one whose clothes are “white as the light.” Acknowledge His beauty. Instead of asking Him for something, simply tell Him: “Lord, You are glorious.” Let His light burn away the dense fog of your worries.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I stand in awe of Your majesty. I confess that I often lose sight of Your glory because I am so focused on my own shadows. Thank You for the joy that comes from simply beholding who You are. You are radiant, You are beautiful, and You are more than enough. Shine Your light into my heart today. Amen.
View all messages in the series at: www.faithsaves.us/t/joy-series-faith-saves-us