Mark 9:1-8
9: And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” 8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
Reflection
The “transfiguration” of Jesus (Mark 9:2–8) provides a glimpse into his divine nature (cf. Phil. 2:6). He is glorious and matchlessly pure. Unlike any other religious leader, Jesus Christ is actually God himself.
The appearance of Moses and Elijah, who represent the Old Testament, indicates that this is a climactic moment in the history of God’s salvation mission. Everything has led to this great man and his quest; the Son of God is going to save the people of God. Before Christ suffers, this moment of glory assures him and his disciples that he is accomplishing the eternal purposes of God the Father. The final result will be an even greater glory!
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
Reflection
Paul is careful to inspire obedience with the grace that we have been given in Christ (2 Cor. 9:15). Our good works flow out of Christ’s abounding grace (v. 8). When we give our resources, it is merely the overflow of what he has first given to us (v. 9). We provide for others because he has supplied us with a multitude of blessings (v. 10). When we are motivated by the grace of the gospel, our actions result in “many thanksgivings” to God (vv. 11–12).
If you find yourself lacking the desire to give to those in need, you are likely forgetting the generous grace that was given to you while you were in need (v. 6). If you are unable to forgive, you have lost sight of the forgiveness that Christ has provided to you. A forgiving heart is a forgiven heart. If you are unable to surrender your possessions, you may be failing to appreciate all that Christ gave up on your behalf. Ask the Holy Spirit to make Christ and the gospel real to you. This is what he delights to do.
Psalm 123:1-2
123: To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us.
In what areas of your life are you failing to appreciate the gospel? Pray for help to see Christ’s grace in the gospel more clearly, asking him specifically to help you grow in these areas.