The Transfigured Life

De: J. R. Miller

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

GOD wants our lives to be bright. He wants them to shine like lamps in the darkness. The world needs nothing so much as light — not light blazing in the far-off sky, but light pouring out softly, low down, close to the earth, from human lives which have been kindled at the heart of God. The aim of the gospel of Christ is to make human lives bright with the brightness of God's own holiness. There is a word in one of St. Paul's letters which puts this truth in the form of an exhortation. "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." The word "transformed" suggests a change from dulness to brightness. A German tale describes a fisherman's log-hut which was transformed into an exquisite temple of silver by a lamp which burned within. This is an illustration of what takes place in a human life when the lamp of the Holy Spirit burns within it. Its earthliness is transformed into heavenliness. The same word that St. Paul uses is used also to describe the change which took place when our Lord was transfigured. Ordinarily there was no unusual brightness on his face, but now his features shone with dazzling lustre. "Be ye transfigured." Of course this does not mean that our human faces shall shine as did Christ's that night. The meaning is that our life and character shall be changed, until all the beautiful things that are in Christ shall appear in us. It is a spiritual transfiguration. For example, take the beloved disciple. It is believed that in his youth he was not sweet-spirited, gentle-hearted, loving and lovable, as when we know him in his riper years, but was impetuous, with quick temper, fiery speech, and strong resentments. As the years passed, however, he grew into gentleness. He listened to Christ's teachings, and the blessed words fell into his heart. He became a friend of Christ, and in the intimacy the sweetness of his divine Friend entered into his soul. He lay upon Christ's bosom, and the beatings of love throbbed themselves into John's own heart, until lo! John loved as Jesus did. His life was transfigured.