Monday, September 29, 2008

Why Moses and Elijah?

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 9, we read where Jesus told His disciples what He was going to go through. Eight days later, he took Peter, James, and John off with Him to the mountains to pray. While He was praying, His whole appearance changed. He looked glorious. Moses and Elijah, also in their heavenly splendor, were there with Jesus, talking with Him about all that He must go through and what He must fulfil in Jerusalem.

For the first time, I began to ask the question, "Why Moses and Elijah? What is so special about them that they would be the ones to encourage Jesus and bring Him a glimpse of Heaven?" Could it be that they too, knew what it was like to be human and heavenly? Could it be that they too, were leaders and lovers of the Jewish
people? Were both of them caught up to go be with God without tasting death? How did Moses really die? Jesus had angels comfort Him in the garden, and He had the voice of God affirming who He was. Maybe He needed someone with skin on to encourage Him to go through with it. Maybe they needed to go over the plan again. Maybe they needed to remind Him that He would be with them soon. I don't know. Do you have any ideas? I am sure that there are really good reasons God chose them.

I read in my mother's journal that Moses did make it to the Promised Land. He didn't get in with the Children of Israel, but He got in with the King of Israel, up on the Mountain of Transfiguration.

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