The Bible says of itself that it is “living and active” and it’s so true. The Spirit helps us see things we may have glanced over before with new clarity, with new eyes; a passage we have read and learned can hold new graces, new mercies, new insight. It is daily bread given at it’s proper time.
I have been reading through the Gospels again and was stopped in my tracks.
I am currently in Luke.
I was reading Chapter 9 and read again the recounting of the transfiguration in verses 28-36. It is here that a few select disciples (Peter, James & John) have gone up the mountain with Jesus to pray. They are astonished that as He is praying His clothes become whiter than lightning, and his true glory begins to be seen.
At this same time, there appears with Him Moses and Elijah – the heroes of the Jewish faith! Men who have not walked the earth for centuries! The embodiment of the Divine Law and the Prophets of God!
Many will go on to tell with Peter’s fumbling, but well-intentioned offer to build shelters for these three men. Many will discuss the Divine pronouncement that Jesus is God’s beloved, unique Son and He should be listened to.
But here’s what caught my attention:
Verses 30-31: “And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”
Jesus is about to leave after Jerusalem; after His work on the cross and His resurrection. But wait! There’s a footnote next to “departure”. I scan the page and read:
“Greek exodus”
“Greek exodus”
Whoa! What?! Exodus? This adds such a rich nuance that departure fails to capture!
For me, departure calls to mind Him leaving, and us standing at the docks waving our hankies and crying, “Bon Voyage!” Or the more spiritual of us crying, “Maranatha!” (Lord come [back] quickly!)
But exodus?
The exodus was all about deliverance from oppression. Deliverance from captivity. A people chosen by God marching out of captivity loaded with the spoils of Egypt! Led by a Deliverer!
Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt after the plagues which mocked and made a spectacle of Egypt’s false gods, and as they marched out they plundered the land.
Jesus’ work in Jerusalem on the cross was not just about finishing His task and then departing (His ascension).
On the cross, He was doing more than accomplishing a task… albeit the greatest act of obedience, mercy, love and grace ever… He was leading His people out of captivity –beginning the spiritual exodus from the slavery of sin and death to the promised land of new life – life full and abundant – AND eternal life! And He leads His people on still today in triumph and glory as the number of His followers grows.
AND He tells us that He is with us until the very end of the age!
It is almost no wonder then that Paul uses exodus-like imagery in Eph. 4:8 (quoting Ps. 68:18), “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives and gave gifts to men.”
Paul’s image is of an ancient conquering king making a spectacle of His defeated foes (in this case the demons and the devil) and sharing the spoils of victory with His people.
Wow! Speechless! Living and active indeed!
