And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

The event described in these verses, commonly called "the transfiguration" — is one of the most remarkable events in the history of our Lord's earthly ministry. It is one of those passages which we should always read with particular thankfulness. It lifts a corner of the veil which hangs over the world to come — and throws light on some of the deepest truths of our religion.

In the first place — this passage shows us something of the glory which Christ will have at His second coming.

We need not doubt that this marvelous vision was meant to encourage and strengthen our Lord's disciples. They had just been hearing of His cross and death — and the self-denial and sufferings to which they must submit themselves, if they would be saved. They were now cheered by a glimpse of the "glory that would follow," and the reward which all faithful servants of their Master would one day receive. They had seen their Master's day of weakness. They now saw, for a few minutes — a pattern and specimen of His future power and glory.

Let us take comfort in the thought, that there are good things laid up in store for all true Christians — which shall make ample amends for the afflictions of this present time. Now is the season for carrying the cross, and sharing in our Savior's humiliation. The crown, the kingdom, the glory — are all yet to come! Christ and His people are now, like David in the cave of Adullam — despised, and lightly esteemed by the world. There seems no form or loveliness in Him, or in His service.

But the hour is coming, and will soon be here — when Christ shall take to Himself His great power and reign, and put down every enemy under His feet! And then the glory which was first seen for a few minutes, by three witnesses on the Mount of Transfiguration — shall be seen by all the world, and never hidden to all eternity!

In the second place — this passage shows us the safety of all true believers who have been removed from this world.

Let us take comfort in the blessed thought that there is a resurrection and a life to come. All is not over — when the last breath is drawn. There is another world beyond the grave. But, above all, let us take comfort in the thought, that until the day dawns, and the resurrection begins — the people of God are safe with Christ.

There is much about their present condition, no doubt, which is deeply mysterious. Where is their local habitation? What knowledge have they of things on earth? These are questions we cannot answer. But let it suffice us to know that Jesus is taking care of them, and will bring them with Him at the last day. He showed Moses and Elijah to His disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration — and He will show us all who have fallen asleep in Him, at His second coming. Our brethren and sisters in Christ are in good keeping. They are not lost — but only gone before us.

In the third place — this passage shows us that the Old Testament saints in glory take a deep interest in Christ's atoning death.

It is a grave mistake to suppose that holy men and women under the Old Testament knew nothing about the sacrifice which Christ was to offer up for the sin of the world. Their light, no doubt, was far less clear than ours. They saw things afar off and indistinctly — which we see, as it were, close at hand. But there is not the slightest proof that any Old Testament saint ever looked to any other atonement for sin, but that which God promised to make by sending the Messiah.

From Abel downwards, the whole company of old believers appear to have been ever resting on a promised sacrifice, and a blood of almighty efficacy yet to be revealed. From the beginning of the world, there has never been but one foundation of hope and peace for sinners — the death of an Almighty Mediator between God and man. That foundation is the center truth of all revealed religion. It was the subject of which Moses and Elijah were seen speaking when they appeared in glory. They spoke of the atoning death of Christ!

Let us take heed that this death of Christ is the ground of all our confidence. Nothing else will give us comfort in the hour of death, and the day of judgment. Our own works are all defective and imperfect. Our sins are more in number than the hairs of our heads! (Psalm 40:12.) Christ dying for our sins, and rising again for our justification — must be our only plea, if we wish to be saved. Happy is that man who has learned to cease from his own works — and to trust in nothing but the cross of Christ!

If saints in glory see in Christ's death so much beauty, that they must needs talk of it — then how much more ought sinners on earth!

In the last place — the passage shows us the immense distance between Christ and all other teachers whom God has given to man.

Forever let that solemn word of the Father ring in our ears, and give the key-note to our religion. Let us honor ministers for their Master's sake. Let us follow them only as long as they follow Christ. But let it be our principal aim to hear Christ's voice — and follow Him wherever He goes. Let some talk, if they will — of the voice of the Church. Let others be content to say, "I hear this preacher, or that clergyman." Let us never be satisfied unless the Spirit witnesses within us, that we hear Christ Himself, and are His disciples.