I will never forget standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon at sunrise. The air was chilly and darkness lingered. Then, the first light appeared, and suddenly, the sun burst forward with radiance, the landscape transformed with breathtaking beauty!

A few choice disciples were privileged to experience an even more spectacular image. In Matthew 17 we find the account of Jesus’ transfiguration. Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where He is transfigured before them (vv. 1–2). The Gospel of Matthew contains seven mentions of Jesus going up on a mountain, but this one is unique.

At the top of the mountain, Jesus’ face shines like the sun, and His clothes become dazzlingly white. Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Him, affirming His divine mission (vv. 3–4). Just as a sunrise transforms the Grand Canyon’s landscape, Jesus’ transfiguration revealed His divine glory to His disciples. The full essence of His divine presence which had been muted ever since He took on human flesh at the incarnation was now only temporarily on display for those present with Jesus at this moment.

The disciples wanted to maintain this glorious scene by building structures to memorialize and perpetuate what was happening here, but this was just a momentary glimpse of what the full presence of God is capable of without any limitations. Once the disciples heard the voice from the cloud, they reverently fell face down in awe and worship. They heard a direct interjection by God (v. 5): “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” God’s message encapsulates the whole book of Matthew and what our main response as readers should be in listening and obeying Jesus’ teachings.

I will never forget standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon at sunrise. The air was chilly and darkness lingered. Then, the first light appeared, and suddenly, the sun burst forward with radiance, the landscape transformed with breathtaking beauty!
A few choice disciples were privileged to experience an even more spectacular image. In Matthew 17 we find the account of Jesus’ transfiguration. Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where He is transfigured before them (vv. 1–2). The Gospel of Matthew contains seven mentions of Jesus going up on a mountain, but this one is unique.
At the top of the mountain, Jesus’ face shines like the sun, and His clothes become dazzlingly white. Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Him, affirming His divine mission (vv. 3–4). Just as a sunrise transforms the Grand Canyon’s landscape, Jesus’ transfiguration revealed His divine glory to His disciples. The full essence of His divine presence which had been muted ever since He took on human flesh at the incarnation was now only temporarily on display for those present with Jesus at this moment.
The disciples wanted to maintain this glorious scene by building structures to memorialize and perpetuate what was happening here, but this was just a momentary glimpse of what the full presence of God is capable of without any limitations. Once the disciples heard the voice from the cloud, they reverently fell face down in awe and worship. They heard a direct interjection by God (v. 5): “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” God’s message encapsulates the whole book of Matthew and what our main response as readers should be in listening and obeying Jesus’ teachings.

Today in the Word is a daily audio devotional available via podcast. Today in the Word features solid biblical content and study that models the mission and values of Moody Bible Institute.

Today in the Word Devotional

Transfigured by His Presence

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/aa075328-c607-4801-abf0-b17f00000a23/transcript

If we believe the advertising that constantly bombards us, consumption is the key to happiness. This jacket will give you a joyous life of adventure! This alcohol will guarantee a great time! This foot cream will make your stress disappear! If we buy more, then we’ll be happy. We all know, on an intellectual level, that this is a lie. On a different level, though, the messaging works. We are quick to consume products that promise things they can’t possibly deliver.

Here, near the end of the Teacher’s meandering journey through life, he offers his final reflection on enjoying God’s good gifts. He advises us to “be happy while you are young” and to “let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth” (v. 9). We should, he tells us, follow our hearts and what our eyes see.

Read in isolation from the rest of the book, his comments sound a bit unbiblical, don’t they? However, he quickly follows this advice with an admonition we’ll explore over the final two days of our study: “for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” The Teacher is clear that God has given us gifts to enjoy—food, work, wine, and a spouse. And he’s clear that the ability to enjoy such things is itself a gift. And he is clear here—and especially so in chapter 12—that true joy, fulfillment, hope, happiness, life occur only within the context of a flourishing relationship with our Creator. Outside of fearing God, His good and perfect gifts twist into the grotesque and idolatrous: drunkenness, gluttony, workaholism, and sexual deviance.

The Teacher is no hedonist or modern advertiser who wants us to believe that consumption fulfills us. Rather, he is a faithful guide who calls us to enjoy God’s gifts within the boundaries God has established—for our good and God’s glory.

If we believe the advertising that constantly bombards us, consumption is the key to happiness. This jacket will give you a joyous life of adventure! This alcohol will guarantee a great time! This foot cream will make your stress disappear! If we buy more, then we’ll be happy. We all know, on an intellectual level, that this is a lie. On a different level, though, the messaging works. We are quick to consume products that promise things they can’t possibly deliver.
Here, near the end of the Teacher’s meandering journey through life, he offers his final reflection on enjoying God’s good gifts. He advises us to “be happy while you are young” and to “let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth” (v. 9). We should, he tells us, follow our hearts and what our eyes see.
Read in isolation from the rest of the book, his comments sound a bit unbiblical, don’t they? However, he quickly follows this advice with an admonition we’ll explore over the final two days of our study: “for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” The Teacher is clear that God has given us gifts to enjoy—food, work, wine, and a spouse. And he’s clear that the ability to enjoy such things is itself a gift. And he is clear here—and especially so in chapter 12—that true joy, fulfillment, hope, happiness, life occur only within the context of a flourishing relationship with our Creator. Outside of fearing God, His good and perfect gifts twist into the grotesque and idolatrous: drunkenness, gluttony, workaholism, and sexual deviance.
The Teacher is no hedonist or modern advertiser who wants us to believe that consumption fulfills us. Rather, he is a faithful guide who calls us to enjoy God’s gifts within the boundaries God has established—for our good and God’s glory.

Life Within God’s Boundaries

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/0ced6e20-157f-402d-9c1c-b1e100000eb1/transcript

Do you remember the story of Nicodemus, the Pharisee who came to Jesus at night? When the religious leader asked Jesus how it was possible to be born again, I wondered, “How in the world could Nicodemus be so dull?” As I’ve gotten older and less arrogant, I find that I identify more and more with Nicodemus. The ways of God are indeed mysterious to our limited human minds.

In Ecclesiastes 11, the Teacher continues his series of proverbs. Their literal meaning is fairly easy to understand. For example, in verses 1–2 we are encouraged to invest widely. In verses 4 and 6 we are urged to take action. But in verse 5, the Teacher points out what Nicodemus so clearly demonstrated: We mortals don’t understand the ways of God.

Jesus seemed to allude to Ecclesiastes 11:5 in His conversation with Nicodemus recorded in John 3. When Nicodemus didn’t understand about being born again, Jesus responded: “You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (vv. 7–8). Jesus then transitioned to foreshadow His own death and presented the gospel, encapsulated in the famous John 3:16.

In Ecclesiastes, the Teacher also pondered the mystery of God’s ways using the same language. We don’t know the path of the wind. And we don’t know how children are formed in the womb. To sum up, we “cannot understand the work of God” (v. 5). God’s ways are mysterious and seemingly impenetrable, but the Son of God descended to earth to make a way for us to be “born of the Spirit” and live in relationship with our glorious Creator.

Do you remember the story of Nicodemus, the Pharisee who came to Jesus at night? When the religious leader asked Jesus how it was possible to be born again, I wondered, “How in the world could Nicodemus be so dull?” As I’ve gotten older and less arrogant, I find that I identify more and more with Nicodemus. The ways of God are indeed mysterious to our limited human minds.
In Ecclesiastes 11, the Teacher continues his series of proverbs. Their literal meaning is fairly easy to understand. For example, in verses 1–2 we are encouraged to invest widely. In verses 4 and 6 we are urged to take action. But in verse 5, the Teacher points out what Nicodemus so clearly demonstrated: We mortals don’t understand the ways of God.
Jesus seemed to allude to Ecclesiastes 11:5 in His conversation with Nicodemus recorded in John 3. When Nicodemus didn’t understand about being born again, Jesus responded: “You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (vv. 7–8). Jesus then transitioned to foreshadow His own death and presented the gospel, encapsulated in the famous John 3:16.
In Ecclesiastes, the Teacher also pondered the mystery of God’s ways using the same language. We don’t know the path of the wind. And we don’t know how children are formed in the womb. To sum up, we “cannot understand the work of God” (v. 5). God’s ways are mysterious and seemingly impenetrable, but the Son of God descended to earth to make a way for us to be “born of the Spirit” and live in relationship with our glorious Creator.

God Is Far Above

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/cd1476c6-bb0f-49e2-a120-b1e100000ca5/transcript

“You are the worst Pop ever!” said my son. And then, just a few days later, “Thank you so much for cooking me my favorite dinner, Pop. You really are the best!” If you’re a parent, maybe you’ve experienced something similar. (And to be frank, I really hope I’m not alone!) Kids say foolish things when they’re upset with their parents. I did it, for sure, and that’s why I can smile at my son and tell him I love him even when he says I’m the worst.

Ecclesiastes 10 is full of proverbs that, when meditated upon and rightly applied to our lives, will help us live in a way that please our heavenly Father. For example, 10:12 reminds us that our words have enormous consequences: “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.”

In verse 10 we read that “if the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.” This reminds us that proper planning and care for our tools—both physical and mental—is key to performing a job well and efficiently. Consider how this might apply to our Bible study. Are we “dull” and “unsharpened” when it comes to reading God’s Word? Do we need more practice?

The Teacher warns, “Whoever digs a pit may fall into it,” warning about the importance of working safely. Similarly, 10:9 tells us that quarrying stones and splitting logs is dangerous business. These proverbs are literally true, of course, but they also convey a deeper meaning. We must take care with how we treat the people around us, because the things we do—or try to do—to others may very well come back upon us. As Jesus reminds us, “Do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12).

“You are the worst Pop ever!” said my son. And then, just a few days later, “Thank you so much for cooking me my favorite dinner, Pop. You really are the best!” If you’re a parent, maybe you’ve experienced something similar. (And to be frank, I really hope I’m not alone!) Kids say foolish things when they’re upset with their parents. I did it, for sure, and that’s why I can smile at my son and tell him I love him even when he says I’m the worst.
Ecclesiastes 10 is full of proverbs that, when meditated upon and rightly applied to our lives, will help us live in a way that please our heavenly Father. For example, 10:12 reminds us that our words have enormous consequences: “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.”
In verse 10 we read that “if the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.” This reminds us that proper planning and care for our tools—both physical and mental—is key to performing a job well and efficiently. Consider how this might apply to our Bible study. Are we “dull” and “unsharpened” when it comes to reading God’s Word? Do we need more practice?
The Teacher warns, “Whoever digs a pit may fall into it,” warning about the importance of working safely. Similarly, 10:9 tells us that quarrying stones and splitting logs is dangerous business. These proverbs are literally true, of course, but they also convey a deeper meaning. We must take care with how we treat the people around us, because the things we do—or try to do—to others may very well come back upon us. As Jesus reminds us, “Do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12).

Words Matter

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/f8b18d08-271e-442d-8c4e-b1e001834f5f/transcript

Transfigured by His Presence

Today in the Word Devotional

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