It was Peter, James and John that went up the mountain with Jesus. They were overwhelmed by what they saw and heard that day. It was awesome in every since of the word. We use the word "awesome" a lot. Even about things that are not awesome; like a football game or a movie or a car. But those things are not awesome. They might be interesting or exciting or even surprising. But here is awesome: Consider Matthew 17:2 ; 5-6 ; "And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. "

Now, why did these three men fall on the ground like that? Was it because they had the utmost respect for Jesus as believers? No! Anyone would have felt similarly. Suppose it had not been Peter, James & John with Jesus, but rather Herod, or Pilate, or even Caesar. Would these ungodly men have felt no awe? I suggest they would have been overcome with awe and with terror as well.

There will be nothing but awe when we see the glorified Son of God at the last moment of this universe's existence. This awe will not fill the hearts of only believers and disciples, but also the unbeliever, the doubter, the hypocrite, the blasphemer, the mocker. No tough guys that day! There will be awe and terror on the part of some, and awe and joy on the part of others. Let Jesus be your Lord and Savior. Let that final moment be one of victory. Obey His gospel and live for Him. Your eternal blessings are waiting.


In 2 Peter 3:9,10 the Scriptures state that "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up."

God has not yet handed down judgment. Life continues to take its course despite various acts of sin, wickedness and rebellion. The militant atheist can shake his fist at heaven and curse God without fear of any immediate consequence of divine wrath. The only consequence of wickedness in this world at this time is the suffering it causes; disease, trouble, mental and emotional anxiety and trauma, broken homes, social disorder and low self-esteem, to name a few. Thus it shall continue until "the day of the Lord" (See also Acts 17:31).

Now is the time of grace - our grace period given to us by God. He is now reconciling all who desire it through His gospel (2 Corinthians 7:17-21). Further, God's grace instructs us to deny ungodliness and to live soberly and righteously in this present age (Titus 2:11,12). Some of us answer His call. Many do not and each day we live is one day closer to that final day when this age of grace will pass and eternity will begin. It is something to think about. It is something to prepare for.

By Jon W. Quinn
The Front Page
From Expository Files 15.4;  April 2008

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