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The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Glory
The Transfiguration stands as one of Scripture's most extraordinary moments, providing Jesus' disciples a preview of the coming Kingdom. Recorded in Matthew 17:1-8, this event occurred shortly after Jesus had revealed to His disciples that He would die for their sins and called them to total commitment. On a high mountain, Jesus was transformed before Peter, James, and John - His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming brilliant white. Moses and Elijah appeared, speaking with Jesus in this glorified state.
Understanding Divine Encounters
Peter's response to this spectacular vision reveals much about human nature when encountering God's glory. Overcome with awe, he suggested building three shelters to preserve the moment indefinitely. Yet God interrupted, declaring from a bright cloud: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (Matthew 17:5). The disciples fell face-down, terrified by this direct divine intervention.
The Supremacy of Scripture
Years later, Peter reflected on this unparalleled experience in 2 Peter 1:17-20. Despite witnessing Jesus' transfigured glory and hearing God's voice, Peter emphasized that we have "the prophetic word more fully confirmed." He insisted that Scripture itself is more trustworthy than even the most dramatic personal experiences.
Discerning When to Trust Experiences
When Experiences Can Be Trusted
- Learning from past mistakes and their consequences
- Gaining practical wisdom through life challenges
- Developing discernment through previous interactions
- Recognizing patterns that align with biblical truth
When Experiences Cannot Be Trusted
- Mountaintop emotional highs that may not reflect everyday reality
- Past supernatural encounters that shouldn't become expectations
- Visual experiences that can be deceptive
- Personal interpretations that contradict Scripture
- Feelings-based theology disconnected from biblical truth
Living in God's Moments
Life consists of moments, and how we handle them shapes our spiritual journey. True contentment comes not from chasing experiences or "dopamine hits," but from finding satisfaction in godliness (1 Timothy 6:6). The challenge is maintaining biblical perspective while:
- Appreciating life's positive moments without idolizing them
- Enduring difficult seasons with faith
- Walking the narrow path even when alone
- Basing decisions on Scripture rather than feelings
- Recognizing that our hearts can be deceptive (Jeremiah 17:9)
The Foundation of Faith
While experiences can enrich our spiritual journey, they must never supersede Scripture's authority. Our hope rests not in dramatic encounters or emotional highs, but in Christ's finished work. The Gospel remains "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16), transcending all personal experiences and feelings.
True spiritual maturity means anchoring our faith in God's unchanging Word while properly contextualizing the experiences He allows in our lives. This balanced approach enables believers to walk confidently on the narrow path, guided by Scripture and strengthened through both mountaintop and valley experiences.