“For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such a declaration as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory: ‘This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased’—and we ourselves heard this declaration made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:16-19; all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible).

“But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

August 6 is the Feast of the Transfiguration on many church calendars. Some churches celebrate it on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday instead. It was a significant moment in Jesus’ ministry, particularly as it was one of the few times that the disciples clearly saw Jesus’ divinity revealed. They saw His miracles, but He usually looked like an ordinary man while performing them. This time, Peter, James, and John saw His glory—His clothes were white and gleaming, and Moses and Elijah appeared to speak with Him (Luke 9:29).

Decades later, Peter would recall this event. He reminded his readers that he was not reporting cleverly devised tales or things he had heard. Peter had seen Jesus. He could describe His miracles because he was there. He could proclaim the resurrection because he spent time with Jesus after He rose from the dead. He could call Him Lord and God because he had seen Jesus radiating His glory. Peter had a story to tell, so he shared everything he knew about Jesus. He could tell people what Jesus had done for him and people he knew.

Paul, who was not a disciple during Jesus’ earthly lifetime, offered another perspective. Because we have the Holy Spirit within us, we share Jesus’ glory. We are “being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” We do not glow in the dark, but we have the privilege of allowing people to see the presence and power of God in our lives.

We can be the presence of Jesus with those we meet. We do not need to perform great miracles, preach to large crowds, have a well-known ministry, or do something dramatic to reveal God’s presence and power. We can show Jesus’ presence and glory in ordinary, everyday activities by simply choosing to be His hands and feet.

Take the time to listen to someone’s anxieties, failures, and frustrations, assuring them that you will pray for them and respect the trust they showed by exposing their vulnerabilities. Inspire them to think and say, “When I talk to you, I feel like I am talking to Jesus.”

Maybe you cannot turn water into wine or multiply loaves and fish. However, you can help an unfortunate person obtain the food and other necessities they lack: by sharing what you have, donating to charity, helping someone find services that will meet their needs, or asking around to find resources for them.

God revealed His glory through His Son Jesus Christ. If you know Him, you have a testimony to share. You have His Holy Spirit to guide and empower you. Christ can continue to shine through you. You can be the salt of the earth and light of the world, bringing the love of Jesus to the people around you (Matthew 5:13-16).

O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

How has Christ revealed His glory to you? What can you share with others about Him? How can you share His glory with others this week?

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.