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The Transfiguration
The faith of the disciples was greatly strengthened at the trans-
figuration, when they were permitted to behold Christ’s glory and to
hear the voice from heaven testifying to His divine character. God
chose to give the followers of Jesus strong proof that He was the
promised Messiah, that in their bitter sorrow and disappointment at
His crucifixion, they would not entirely cast away their confidence.
At the transfiguration the Lord sent Moses and Elijah to talk with
Jesus concerning His sufferings and death. Instead of choosing an-
gels to converse with His Son, God chose those who had themselves
experienced the trials of earth.
Elijah had walked with God. His work had been painful and
trying, for the Lord through him had reproved the sins of Israel.
Elijah was a prophet of God; yet he was compelled to flee from
place to place to save his life. His own nation hunted him like a
wild beast that they might destroy him. But God translated Elijah.
Angels bore him in glory and triumph to heaven.
Moses was greater than any who had lived before him. He had
been highly honored of God, being privileged to talk with the Lord
face to face, as a man speaks with a friend. He was permitted to see
the bright light and excellent glory that enshrouded the Father. The
Lord through Moses delivered the children of Israel from Egyptian
bondage. Moses was a mediator for his people, often standing
between them and the wrath of God. When the anger of the Lord was
greatly kindled against Israel for their unbelief, their murmurings,
and their grievous sins, Moses’ love for them was tested. God
proposed to destroy them and to make of him a mighty nation.
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Moses showed his love for Israel by his earnest pleading in their
behalf. In his distress he prayed God to turn from His fierce anger
and forgive Israel, or blot his name out of His book.
When Israel murmured against God and against Moses because
they could get no water, they accused him of leading them out to
kill them and their children. God heard their murmurings and bade
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