The Prophetic Word - Day 163: How you see yourself can determine what you become.

“And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.” Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I recently saw a story about a young woman who has just won a major gymnastics award.

Interestingly, in the story about her, they showed a video of her, several years younger, at the same type of competition as an enthusiastic fan.

No doubt, she visualized herself in the place of the different gymnasts as they soared across the mat, doing wonderful feats of strength, flexibility, and coordination.

Now, if she had simply been entertained by those gymnasts, never considering that she could be amongst their ranks, she may never have pursued—or continued to pursue—the rigors required for that level of physical ability.

Yes, she had to use that image of what is possible, to motivate her to pursue the practices that would transform her into what she was seeing.

Perhaps, when you hear a discussion of doing exploits (our current topic), you may assume that is for other people, that you would never have what it takes to be able to do great things for the Kingdom of God. But, the truth is, we have the same Spirit operating in us Who raised Christ from the dead.

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬, ‭14‬ NKJV

Truly, Jesus came, not only to redeem us, but to also show us who we were created to be, while also providing a way for us to receive His same Spirit.

“And furthermore, it is not angels who will control the future world we are talking about. For in one place the Scriptures say, “What are mere mortals that you should think about them, or a son of man that you should care for him? Yet for a little while you made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them authority over all things.” Now when it says “all things,” it means nothing is left out. But we have not yet seen all things put under their authority. What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In our opening scripture we see the description of Jesus being transfigured in front of Peter, James and John. Certainly, seeing Jesus in His glory, was an event that changed their perception of Him forever.

Indeed, Peter went on to reference this experience many years later.

“For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In our discussion yesterday, we looked at this scripture:

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” ‭‭I John‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Now look at what the very next verse says:

“And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” ‭‭I John‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Yes, seeing ourselves as children of God motivates us to righteousness, and righteousness leads to spiritual maturity.

Friend, what Peter, James and John saw concerning Jesus’ glory, was also a sneak peek of what we will one day become.

But, just as that little gymnast would never have been found on an awards podium had she not been motivated to do what champions do, if we fail to allow the vision of Christ’s glory to motivate us toward doing what He said we should do, as well as believing we are who He said we are, then we may just remain a “fan” of the great things Christ did, never participating in the great works He said we could do!

““Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Peace to you. Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him! #ThePropheticWord