Transfiguration
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them in the future. The dew was heavy upon his bowed form, but he
heeded it not; the shadows of night gathered thickly about him, but
he regarded not their gloom. So the hours passed slowly by. At first
the disciples united their prayers with his in sincere devotion; but as
the hours dragged slowly on, they were overcome with weariness and
loss of sleep, and even while endeavoring to retain their interest in the
scene, they fell asleep. Jesus had told them of his future sufferings,
he had taken them with him that they might watch and pray with him
while he was pleading with his Father; even then he was praying that
his disciples might have strength to endure the coming test of his hu-
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miliation and death. He especially plead that they might witness such
a manifestation of his divinity as would forever remove from their
minds all unbelief and lingering doubts; a manifestation that would
comfort them in the hour of his supreme agony with the knowledge
that he was of a surety the Son of God, and that his shameful death
was a part of the divine plan of redemption.
God hears the petition of his Son, and angels prepare to minister
unto him. But God selects Moses and Elijah to visit Christ and converse
with him in regard to his coming sufferings at Jerusalem. While Jesus
bows in lowliness upon the damp and stony ground, suddenly the
heavens open, the golden gates of the City of God are thrown wide,
and holy radiance descends upon the mount, enshrouding the kneeling
form of Christ. He arises from his prostrate position, and stands in
God-like majesty; the soul-agony is gone from his countenance, which
now shines with a serene light, and his garments are no longer coarse
and soiled, but white and glittering like the noon-day sun.
The sleeping disciples are awakened by the flood of glory that
illuminates the whole mount. They gaze with fear and amazement
upon the shining garments and radiant countenance of their Master. At
first their eyes are dazzled by the unearthly brilliancy of the scene, but
as they become able to endure the wondrous light, they perceive that
Jesus is not alone. Two glorious figures stand engaged in conversation
with him. They are Moses, who talked with God face to face amid
the thunder and lightnings of Sinai, and Elijah, that prophet of God
who did not see death, but was conducted to Heaven in a chariot of
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fire. These two, whom God had seen fit to favor above all others who
ever lived upon earth, were delegated by the Father to bring the glory
of Heaven to his Son, and comfort him, talking with him concerning