And behold there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease, which He should accomplish at Jerusalem. Luke 9:30,31
Although the events in our text occurred on a mountain here on earth, they reveal much to us about Heaven. The transfiguration witnessed by Peter, John, and James offers us a peek into the celestial realm. As such, it offers us the answers to some questions about what we will experience when we arrive in Heaven.
Have you ever wondered whether you will have an opportunity to speak personally with the Lord Jesus when we are in Heaven? If the two men identified in our text could and did speak with him, we surely will be able to as well. Despite a recent pronouncement from his homliness Pope Francis, it IS possible to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, as millions of Christians can confirm. There is a reason why Francis does not know that. So, if we have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus here, we will surely continue that relationship in Heaven. How precious to look forward to that!
How did the disciples know who was speaking with Jesus? I don’t know. But based on our text I do know that we will be able to identify everybody in Heaven, and everybody will be able to identify us. We will be able to meet and greet all of those Bible characters who we found so fascinating, as well as the great historical characters who caught our attention. Because we will receive all knowledge, we will witness the reconciliation of Christians who clashed over doctrine here on earth, as the truth destroys all disagreements. Reconciliation will be a great joy as brothers and sisters unable to get along here on earth will see their differences forever dissolved. Oh what a happy place is Heaven!
So, what will we be talking about in Heaven? Actually, the conversation of that place will not change. As our text indicates, Moses and Elijah spoke about the death of the Lord Jesus, and it is certain that this was not the first time that the topic came up. As the Old Testament saints arrived in Heaven, they would understand that their salvation was based on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, an event yet to occur. New Testament saints who have arrived over the past two thousand years have the same understanding concerning an event that has occurred. What wonderful discussions have occurred concerning that great topic by all of those people who have appreciated the Saviour on earth and now in Heaven. Probably the angels have joined the conversation, desiring to more about the One Who they acknowledge as the thrice holy Lord of Hosts, but have never experienced the wonders of His grace. We speak of the sacrifice of Christ now, especially when we remember His death in the partaking of the Lord’s Supper. But in Heaven, all of the distractions that limit our appreciation will be gone forever.
Are you looking forward to Heaven now? The more we learn of it, the more we long to be there. -Jim MacIntosh