We have no experiences in our lives that correspond to the events in our Lord’s life after the transfiguration. From that moment forward His life was altogether substitutionary. Up to the time of the transfiguration, He had exhibited the normal, perfect life of a man. But from the transfiguration forward— Gethsemane, the Cross, the resurrection— everything is unfamiliar to us. His Cross is the door by which every member of the human race can enter into the life of God; by His resurrection He has the right to give eternal life to anyone, and by His ascension our Lord entered heaven, keeping the door open for humanity.

The transfiguration was completed on the Mount of Ascension. If Jesus had gone to heaven directly from the Mount of Transfiguration, He would have gone alone. He would have been nothing more to us than a glorious Figure. But He turned His back on the glory, and came down from the mountain to identify Himself with fallen humanity.

The ascension is the complete fulfillment of the transfiguration. Our Lord returned to His original glory, but not simply as the Son of God— He returned to His father as the Son of Man as well. There is now freedom of access for anyone straight to the very throne of God because of the ascension of the Son of Man. As the Son of Man, Jesus Christ deliberately limited His omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience. But now they are His in absolute, full power. As the Son of Man, Jesus Christ now has all the power at the throne of God. From His ascension forward He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

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May 17, 2010

I wonder if I can get all of the stuff done today and stay in contact with God. Can I stay connected? I am already in overdrive running here, watching the clock, watching my work load.

And God says….”You are trying to “keep up” because you feel as if you will disappoint someone if you don’t “keep up” You feel you have to always be on the lookout for the hidden and painful surprise. But when you are connected and aligned with me….you can feel safe in my arms, knowing that I have already approved you in every way. Let me approve you and make this a day of peace and love and accomplishment for you and with you. Relax, and breathe and rest in me. Give me your list. And take a step at a time.

Take time to worship me this morning ………it is not always about “figuring it out” or learning more and more. It is about worship,  and worship is essential in order to  maintain our connection.