DO PEOPLE IN THIS MODERN AGE GET GLIMPSES OF GOD?

The context of the transfiguration is a journey to Jerusalem, and Jesus has already told His Disciples that he will surrender his life there. And further, he had said to them in Mt. 16:24; "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." All of this was bewildering to the disciples. It must have looked to them as though there was nothing but disaster ahead. In this transfiguration experience they were able to get a foretaste of the coming resurrection in the midst of the journey to crucifixion-- able to see a glimpse of the glory of God. Just a glimpse -- but that would be enough to sustain them. DO PEOPLE IN THIS MODERN AGE GET GLIMPSES OF GOD?

The answer to that question may startle you -- perhaps even depress you if this has never happened to you. It is estimated that perhaps as many as a third of believers have had significant spiritual encounters, glimpses of God's glory, which they often are hesitant to share with anyone -- even their pastor, for fear of being thought odd. In most cases, these experiences provide a reservoir of spiritual power that keeps people going during the long walk of faith -- which Lent reminds us may be a walk to the cross. Countless people have described "near-death" experiences which have eradicated their fear of death.

One woman who had had a ruptured appendix remembers hearing people in the hospital emergency room (where she lay, presumably unconscious) say that there wasn't much hope. But in the night she had a sense of being awakened by a bright light and feeling she was in the presence of Jesus, who told her that her work for him was not yet complete. By morning she had experienced a remarkable turn around.

Read more of this message at the Plymouth Church site.