Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36
Occasion: Transfiguration Sunday
Introduction
Beloved in Christ, we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday, a momentous occasion in the Christian calendar that reveals Christ’s divine glory. Transfiguration is simply a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state. It reminds us of God's call for transformation in our lives as His children. Transformation is a change in composition or structure, form, or appearance, often without a reverse. Today’s sermonette, "Being Transformed into His Likeness," emphasizes our spiritual journey from worldly existence to divine reflection, where we radiate nothing but the glory of God.
1. The Reflection of God's Glory
The first reading presents Moses coming down from Mount Sinai, his face shining after encountering God. Note that Moses "was not aware that his face was radiant." The radiance of his face was not self-generated but a reflection of God's glory. The glory was veiled until he went to speak to the Lord: "When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face"
The transformation of our lives duly happens in God's presence. Our encounter with God brings out the glorious potential in us. Like Moses, his face was glowing because he spent time with God. We need our lives transformed from darkness into His marvelous light, from sin to Christlike life. I encourage you, beloved, to spend more time with God to be transformed into His likeness.
Others will notice the change in us when we are truly transformed. The Israelites saw the glow on Moses' face when he had not noticed. As Christians, we must be deep in the faith without doubts. At His birth, Jesus' star appeared in the far east to bring the wise men. May the glory of God upon your life bring you to greatness.
Sometimes, the glory that you have not taken note of in your life begins to scare others to militate against you, spiritually and physically. All you need to do is stand firm and never yield to their distractions. When you are maltreated, rejected, struck down, and despised, not that the enemy to your divine glorious destiny is at work - Remember Joseph. Be encouraged and persist for God's transformation in your life.
The veil symbolizes the separation between sinful man and God’s holiness. But through Christ, this veil is removed!
2. The Veil Removed—Beholding God's Glory
The veil of Moses is like a wall between the people and God's glory. Paul explains that through Christ, the veil covering people’s hearts is taken away, allowing believers to behold and reflect God's glory. He declares:
"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
(2 Corinthians 3:18)
Christ takes away the veil. The New Covenant in Christ removes the barriers that hinder our transformation. "It [the veil] has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away." (2 Corinthians 3:14). Jesus Christ is ready to take away the veil in your life and bring you to a transformed life. Beloved, just invite Him into your life now as your Saviour.
"Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God."
(2 Corinthians 4:2)
As we behold Christ’s glory, we are transformed into His image—a lifelong spiritual process. Christ's transformation brings us to eternal life without condemnation.
Transformation is not by human effort but by the mercy of the Spirit of the Lord, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image ... Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." (2 Corinthians 3:18-4:1)
3. The Transfiguration of Jesus
In the Gospel reading, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John on the mountain. His face shone, and His clothing became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Him, and a voice from heaven affirmed:
"This is my beloved Son: hear Him."(Luke 9:35)
Christ's glory was always present, but on the mountain, it was revealed to the disciples.
The presence of Moses and Elijah represents the Law and the Prophets, both fulfilled in Christ. Both the law and the prophets were the tools God used to effect transformation in the people of Israel. Being with Christ is to encompass the full transformed life God called us into. “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him” (Luke 9:35).
God commands all humanity to listen to Jesus Christ because He is His only begotten Son. Listening to Him is availing yourself to be like Him.
Are you like Jesus?
Peter's desire to build three tabernacles shows how we sometimes want to preserve spiritual experiences, but God calls us to listen to Jesus and be transformed daily. This is synonymous to those who keep items God may have used to bring a miracle, such as oil, sobolo, bangle, mantle, handkerchief, etc., as their saviour.
Our encounter with God must not bring us to the accumulation of signs and tokens but to transform our wayward lives into Christlikeness. I exhalt you now to be fully opened to the transforming process in humility for God's transfiguration on the last day.
4. What Does It Mean to Be Transformed into His Likeness?
Let me just share points with you for your continuous reflection on being transformed into Christ’s likeness:
1. Renewed Minds – "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2
2. Bearing Christ’s Character – The fruit of the Spirit reflects Christ’s nature. Galatians 5:22-23
3. Reflecting God’s Glory – Our lives should radiate God’s presence, just like Moses and Jesus.
4. Living by the Spirit – Transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit, not just personal effort.
"... Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
How Do We Experience Transformation?
1. Spend Time in God’s Presence - Through prayer, worship, and studying His Word.
2. Surrender to the Holy Spirit – Allow Him to mold and shape us.
3. Obey the Word of God – Transformation happens through obedience.
4. Be Witnesses of His Glory – Let others see Christ in us by our words and deeds.
Conclusion
On this Transfiguration Sunday, we are reminded that transformation is both a divine encounter and a lifelong process. Like Moses, we should desire to reflect God's glory. Like Paul, we must live with unveiled faces, beholding Christ. Like the disciples, we must listen to Jesus and follow Him.
May we be transformed into His likeness, from glory to glory, until the world sees Christ in us. Amen!
Shalom aleikhem...
