Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
Mark 9:4b provides this detail about the appearance of Elijah and Moses with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration: “They were talking with Jesus.” The parallel account in Luke 9:30 tells us that they “spake of His decease [departure, exodus] which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.” This brief statement gives us a glimpse into heaven’s priorities. The impending sacrificial atonement of God the Son was uppermost in the minds of these two great men of God. This interest in the saving work of Jesus continues today; for I Peter 1:12, speaking of the Gospel message, says that “the angels desire to look into” this eternal plan of salvation. In II Peter 1:15, the Apostle writes, “Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.” Peter knew that he was going to die soon: “Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me” – verse 14). Two thoughts derive from Peter’s words. First, we must cherish the Gospel even as it is cherished in heaven. Second, Jesus’ exodus utterly transforms our exodus. We are everlastingly secure in His living and loving embrace.