The Transfiguration (Mark 9:1-13)

 

The Transfiguration (Mark 9:1-13)

What is glory? It is to be honorable, radiant, and brilliant. However, the glory of this world is different from the glory of heaven. Worldly glory is fleeting and empty. We desire recognition, praise, and acclaim, but these are only momentary and do not quench our thirst. In contrast, heavenly glory is eternal and unchanging. God always dwells in glory, honor, majesty, and power; He has called us into His glory and blessed us.

In Mark 9:1-13, Jesus was suddenly transfigured before three of His disciples. In an instant, He took on His original form as God. He appeared in a radiance of glory, completely different from the everyday appearance the disciples were used to. We reside in the kingdom of heaven since redeemed by the blood of Christ, dwelling and reigning together with this very Lord of glory, Jesus Christ.

Seeing the Kingdom of God Coming with Power

1 And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with its power.” 2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. (Mark 9:1-4)

No one has seen the Kingdom of God fully; the Lord’s kingdom is invisible. However, some have seen it partially. Moses saw the pattern of the heavenly sanctuary on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:40; Hebrews 8:5). Moses asked God to show him His glory (Exodus 33:18). At that time, God did not show Moses His face (because he would have died), but placed him in a cleft in the rock and covered him with His hand until He had passed by, allowing him to see His back (Exodus 33:20-23).

The prophet Elijah fled to Mount Horeb to escape Jezebel’s threat after the battle at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 19:1-8). There, God appeared to him and spoke in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12). The Lord God was not in the powerful wind that shattered the rocks, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire. Prophets like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, as well as John, saw the glory of God and became like dead men (Isaiah 6:5; Ezekiel 1:28; Daniel 10:8-9; Revelation 1:17).

Peter, James, and John saw the Kingdom of God coming with power. On the high mountain, Jesus was transfigured into His original form as the glorious Creator God. At that moment, Elijah and Moses talked with Him. Jesus, who came to this earth in the flesh, is the Creator who originally dwells in the glory, power, and majesty by which He created the heavens and the earth through His word.

Moses died on Mount Nebo at the age of 120 (Deuteronomy 34:5). Chariots and horses of fire separated Elijah from Elisha, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind without seeing death (2 Kings 2:11). These two men represent the Law and the Prophets. The Law and the Prophets prophesied that the suffering Christ would come.

Since Jesus is without sin, He had no reason to die on a cross. Jesus, transfigured as the essence of glory on the high mountain, proves this fact. Jesus could have entered His original glory at any time without going through the cross, but He chose not to. Jesus returned to God the Father through the cross of suffering.

The Kingdom of God – Eternal Home for Believers

The Kingdom of God refers to the realm where God reigns. It is not a specific geographical location in the universe. The Kingdom of God includes everything—the visible universe and all invisible realms like power and authority. In fact, since there is no realm that God does not rule, we are living in the Kingdom of Heaven.

However, the invisible is more significant than the visible. This includes the principalities and powers of Satan, who holds the power of the air. The gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear forces that govern the universe are also invisible. Within the vast universe that operates in such an orderly fashion, the glory and power of the God who created the heavens and the earth are clearly and undeniably revealed (Romans 1:19).

The Kingdom of God is described as a sea of glass (Revelation 4:6, 15:2). There is not the slightest shaking or agitation. There is no surprise or pretension; it exists within the glory and power of the Holy God. While the surface of the sea may be rough and tossing, the deep sea is not agitated at all. The Kingdom of Heaven is like this.

Jesus, who was suddenly transfigured on the high mountain, is always the same. He is full of glory, honor, power, authority, and majesty. Jesus is always holy. He is filled with a perfection that does not deviate in the slightest. While on this earth, Jesus demonstrated that holiness and perfection. In any situation, under any accusation, or during any questioning, He always remained in control. Jesus said to Pilate:

10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” (John 19:10-11)

Example: Chosen in Christ Before the Creation of the World

How does God accomplish our salvation? He knew all things before the ages—even before He created the world. Before the creation of the world, God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in His sight in love (Eph 1:4; Isa 49:1; Jer 1:5; Gal 1:15). This grace consists of every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms given to us in Christ. Through Christ's sacrifice, this grace was bestowed according to the purpose God intended before the ages (Eph 1:7).

God’s plan of redemption was not established after Adam’s fall. God already knew and predestined the sacrifice of Christ before the beginning of time (Rev 5:6, 13:8; 1 Pet 1:19-20). Therefore, there is no other name by which we must be saved except the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). For this reason, the Lord was pleased to strike His only begotten Son:

"Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand" (Isa 53:10).

The Disciples Were Terrified

5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus (Mark 9:5-8).

Peter and the disciples watched this scene with fear and trembling. In the presence of the glory and power of God, they did not know what to say. When the God of glory descended on Mount Sinai, Moses and the people likewise trembled with fear (Heb 12:21). God dwells in honor, glory, and majesty; He is never to be mocked (Gal 6:7-8).

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise" (Ps 111:10).

At that moment, a cloud came and covered the disciples. The cloud symbolizes the presence of the Lord. During the wilderness journey, this cloud stayed above the Tabernacle (Num 9:22; Ex 40:36-37). When the cloud remained over the Tabernacle, the people stayed; when it moved, they followed (Num 9:17). The Lord God Himself guided and protected the path of His people.

Then, a voice came from the cloud saying, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" This was clearly a command to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ must die and rise again. The fact that the Heavenly Father spoke directly to the disciples highlights how vital it is to accept the "Suffering Christ."

Since Jesus was without sin, He could have ascended to heavenly glory without ever enduring the cross. However, if He had, there would be no salvation for those under sin. No one except Jesus Christ can take the place of another’s sin. Only the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has the power to redeem those fallen under sin.

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Col 2:13-15).

Tell No One What You Have Seen

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 11 And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 12 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13 But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him” (Mark 9:9-13).

Jesus warned them not to tell anyone until He had risen again. This is in the same context as when He healed a blind man and told him not to go into the village. It was because the disciples did not yet have complete knowledge regarding the Suffering Christ. Just as Peter suggested building three shelters because he didn't know what to say, they still lacked full understanding of Jesus Christ—specifically regarding His suffering and resurrection.

The prophet Malachi had prophesied long ago that Elijah must come first (Mal 4:5). Jesus explained that while Elijah comes first to restore all things, he had already come and was treated poorly, just as written. This refers to John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ.

When Zechariah entered the temple to burn incense, an angel appeared and told him his wife Elizabeth would bear a son named John (Luke 1:13). The angel said he would go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:17).

The prophet Elijah stood alone against the king and people of Israel who had fallen into the sin of idolatry, manifesting the power and glory of the Lord God (1 Kings 18:38). John the Baptist, with that same zeal, preached a message of repentance to a thirsty people and baptized them in the Jordan River for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4-5).

At the same time, Jesus told them to take note of what was written about the Son of Man: that He must suffer much and be rejected. To teach this Gospel truth, Jesus was transfigured before the three disciples, and God the Father spoke directly from heaven, commanding: "Listen to Him."

Amen!

May 17, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

You Are the Messiah (Mark 8:27-38)

 

You Are the Messiah (Mark 8:27-38)

Who is the Christ? As the Son of God, Christ came to this earth as a suffering servant. Long ago, the Law and the Prophets in the Old Testament prophesied that the suffering Christ would come. Old Testament saints like Moses, Abraham, and David knew and believed in the suffering Christ. However, many Jews—especially the religious leaders—rejected the suffering Christ and crucified Him.

In Mark 8:27-38, Jesus taught His disciples the gospel of the cross and the resurrection, and He taught them about the suffering Christ. Peter and the disciples were greatly shocked by the word that Jesus would die. However, because this was God’s good work, Jesus taught them without hiding a single thing.

"Who Do People Say I Am?"

27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” (Mark 8:27-28)

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to this earth in the incarnation. Jesus testified to the gospel of the kingdom of heaven and drove out diseases and demons. So, what did people think about Jesus? This is a very important question because it is directly linked to salvation. They thought He was a prophet of God.

It was a close answer, but not accurate. Jesus is the Christ who came as more than a prophet. A prophet is sent by God to speak His word. In this respect, Jesus is a prophet. Jesus proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2). This message is God’s invitation for people fallen in sin to enter the gate of heavenly salvation. Furthermore, He is the atoning sacrifice for the redemption of the world.

God sent the prophet Elijah when King Ahab ruled Northern Israel. Northern Israel had fallen deep into idolatry. False prophets deceived and tripped up the king and the people. God sent the prophet to turn back the people who were drifting further from Him. The prophet warned that a famine would come to the land for several years, and on Mount Carmel, he challenged the prophets of Baal to reveal the power of the living, Almighty God (1 Kings 18:20-40).

Through the prophet Elijah, God brought a famine to the land of Israel for several years (1 Kings 17). This was discipline and refinement intended to turn the hearts of the king and the people back to the Lord. To escape the severe famine, the prophet went to a brook, and when the water there dried up, he went to a widow living in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. God fed the prophet and the widow every day during the famine.

At the end of the age of the Judges, during the time of Eli the high priest, his two sons were corrupt and the word of God was rare (1 Samuel 3:1). At that time, God let the sound of heaven be heard through Samuel (1 Samuel 3:7). For four hundred years after the prophet Malachi, there was no word from God. God broke the long silence and sent John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ, who worked in the spirit of Elijah.

In this way, God pitied His people and constantly sent many prophets to awaken them so they would turn back and walk in the way of truth. And when the set time of God had fully come, He sent His Son Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures and spoke the gospel of the kingdom of heaven through Him (Hebrews 1:2).

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Peter’s Confession – "You are the Messiah"

29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” 30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. 31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. (Mark 8:29-31)

It is very important for the disciples to know exactly who Jesus Christ is. Peter said, “You are the Christ.” This means Jesus is the Messiah, the Lord of Israel’s salvation. Peter’s answer is the correct one. However, Jesus warned them not to tell this to anyone. This was because, although Peter had confessed the Lord as Christ, he did not yet understand the complete perspective of the Messiah.

For the first time, Jesus taught Peter and the disciples that He must suffer many things, be rejected by their leaders, die, and rise again after three days. This is the complete knowledge of Christ. The suffering Christ is the Lord who saves this world, including Israel, from the power of sin and death.

This is what the Law and the Prophets testify. The Law stipulates the sacrificial system—burnt offerings, grain offerings, fellowship offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings—and there is no sacrifice offered without the blood of an animal (Hebrews 9:22). Seeing the blood of the animal sacrifice, God forgives the sins of His people. The animal is a sacrificial offering that substitutes for the one offering it (Leviticus 1:4). Therefore, the blood of the animal sacrifice symbolizes the blood of the Christ who was to come.

The prophets prophesied that the Lord of salvation would come. However, the Lord of salvation was not the Christ the Jews hoped for—one who would defeat enemies with mighty military power and establish an earthly kingdom—but was said to come as a child. And above all, it was prophesied that God’s Christ would die, bearing the sins of this world (Isaiah 6:13, 7:14, 9:6, 53:1-9).

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

Peter Rebukes Jesus

32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Mark 8:32-33).

Peter could not agree with Jesus' words. He could not accept the fact that Jesus would die. Therefore, he did not understand the word of the resurrection—that he would rise again after three days. This is evidence that Peter did not yet fully understand the correct view of the Messiah. Like other Jews, he expected Jesus to establish a powerful earthly kingdom like King David.

In fact, there was no reason at all for Jesus to die. Therefore, it was a great shock for the disciples, including Peter, to hear that Jesus would die. Furthermore, they thought that if Jesus died, the Messianic kingdom would be out of reach. Their hearts wanted a liberated Israel that would refreshingly defeat the Gentile Roman army as soon as possible.

Accordingly, Jesus looked at his disciples and rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns." It was the will of God the Father for Jesus to die in place of the sins of this world (Isaiah 53:10). By Jesus receiving the sacrifice that atones for the sins of this world, all people reach salvation (Hebrews 12:2).

The work of God is to bring the dead back to life. It is to find the lost, save them, and lead them to eternal life. It is to enable them to obtain love, joy, and peace, which are the eternal treasures of the kingdom of heaven. It is to create a new person through the blood of Christ. It is to give hope for His eternal kingdom. It is to no longer fear or be terrified by the power of sin and death, but to worship God forever in holiness and righteousness.

The things that humans plan are all things done without God. The work that Satan does is to exclude God and sit in God's place to rule as king. Anyone who denies the suffering Christ is an antichrist. He who denies Christ is a liar (1 John 2:22). Therefore, following the example of Christ, loving one's enemies is the work of God. Not doing so is the work of man.

Deny Yourself, Take Up Your Cross, and Follow Me

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels” (Mark 8:34–38).

Jesus taught his disciples what it means to save one’s life. In order to give life to those who were under sin, Jesus himself became God’s sacrifice (Philippians 2:8). To follow Jesus is to walk the way of the cross together with the Lord. This is self-denial. It is to be selfless. Jesus, being in very nature God, humbled himself, took on human likeness, and became flesh (Philippians 2:6–7).

And Jesus was condemned by the Jews, suffered under Pilate, and was lifted up on the cross. To follow Christ is to carry the cross together with the Lord. At that time, the power and glory of God are revealed. God raised Jesus Christ, who died and was buried, by the power of the resurrection. When we follow the Lord’s example, deny ourselves, take up our cross, and die, God also raises us up by the power of the resurrection.

This is the way to gain life. But if a person does not follow the way of the Lord, that is, if they follow human thoughts, they lose their life. They do not receive salvation. They cannot enter eternal life. They cannot reach the glory of the resurrection with Christ. If anyone is ashamed to carry the cross with the Lord, the result is shameful eternal punishment.

To die to oneself and carry the cross with the Lord is a narrow and difficult road. Therefore, only a few find it (Matthew 7:13–14). Who would like a cross of shame and humiliation? Instead, people long for glory, recognition, and praise. But if they do not take the way of the true reward of glory given by God, that is, the way of the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, the result is destruction and eternal punishment.

This world is adulterous and full of sin. Instead of God, it worships money, pleasure, career, and success. It does not know God, nor does it know his holy love, that he did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us. It has no interest in it. Though people do not know God, they do not stop speaking recklessly and rebelling against him (Jude 1:10). The cross of Christ is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles (1 Corinthians 1:23).

But those who fear God, are moved by the love with which he gave his Son, and follow the way of the cross with the Lord, obtain and enjoy eternal life. Even though in this world they suffer persecution, hardship, and are treated as fools, in the kingdom of heaven they will not be put to shame, but will stand boldly before the eternal God the Father (Romans 5:2).

Therefore, let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Amen!

May 10, 2026

Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2026, David Lee Ministries ©2026 – All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

 

Healing a Blind Man (Mark 8:22-26)

 

Healing a Blind Man (Mark 8:22-26)

What does it mean to see? It is a language that includes knowing, understanding, and acting. A newborn baby also begins to see. As we look, we learn and realize. However, just because we see with our eyes does not mean we know. "Be ever hearing, but never understanding" (Isaiah 6:9). There is physical blindness, and there is also spiritual blindness.

In the Gospel of Mark 8:22-26, Jesus healed a blind man. This event had never occurred before in the Old Testament (John 9:32). However, Jesus restored his sight in two stages. It takes a long time for a person to open their spiritual eyes and wholly know the truth of God.

They Brought a Blind Man

When they reached Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to him and begged Jesus to touch him (Mark 8:22).

The people brought a blind man to Jesus. They came believing that Jesus would heal the blind man. Although such an event had not yet happened in the land of Israel, they knew that Jesus was able to do it.

The blind man is in the darkness, unable to see anything. He cannot see the beautiful nature, the faces of his loved ones, or anything else. He cannot watch movies or see beautiful nature. Although it is said that life is possible to some extent with the help of Braille or other tools, he cannot see clearly.

From a spiritual perspective, people are not physically blind but cannot see the truth. They are spiritually blind. Every person is trapped in spiritual darkness in Adam. They are placed under the influence of Satan and the devil, the ruler of the kingdom of the air. This is because Adam sinned and fell under sin.

The spiritually blind do not know Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This was the case with the Pharisees and the priests. Although Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came receiving the testimony of John the Baptist, the Law, and the prophets, their eyes were veiled so they could not see (Isaiah 6:9). As a result, they rejected and persecuted Jesus, eventually handed Him over to the hands of the Gentiles, and crucified Him (Acts 4:10).

A spiritually blind person is one who has not yet been born again in Christ. Being born again is well represented in the baptismal ritual. It means dying on the cross with Him, following the example of Jesus Christ, and being raised with Him when He rose again. Because we have received forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ, we are no longer subjected to eternal punishment, but obtain eternal life (John 5:24).

Knowing God is Truly Seeing

Therefore, seeing means entering into God in Christ. Knowing and believing in God is truly seeing. So, unless one is born again in Christ, they cannot know God. As every human being is a creature made by God, not knowing the Creator is worse than an animal recognizing its master (Isaiah 1:3).

The Father in heaven wants to open the blind eyes of man. He wants to forgive them. Anyone who hears the loving voice of the Father and comes to Him will be made as clean as white snow, even though their sins are as red as crimson, and cleansed from all unrighteousness (Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:9). Anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, receives forgiveness of sins and salvation.

However, a person whose spiritual eyes are darkened becomes a slave to resentment and complaint. Resentment and complaints arise because they do not know God. Because God is just and fair, He judges everything with justice and righteousness. Even if it does not seem so yet, God will judge all things in righteousness. Believing in God's justice and righteousness is proof that one's spiritual eyes have been opened.

Those who abide in God's grace enjoy gratitude and rest. Although pressure, pain, and difficulties continue in daily life, it is because we know the God of justice, comfort, power, and glory. It is because while we were still sinners, God loved us so much that He did not spare His only Son, but gave Him up for us (Romans 5:8).

Jesus Put His Hands on the Man's Eyes Again, and He Saw Clearly

23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?" 24 He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around." 25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly (Mark 8:23-25).

Jesus did not heal this man at once, but gave him sight in two stages. It is not because He could not heal him at once. It takes time for a person trapped in darkness to open their spiritual eyes and see completely. The man opened his eyes, but he saw people as trees walking around. He could not see clearly yet. When Jesus put his hands on his eyes again, he was healed and saw everything clearly.

Exhibit A - The Call of Abraham

Abraham was called at the age of seventy-five by the word of God’s promise (Gen. 12:1-3). It took many years for him, having received God’s grace, to fully know God’s heart.

When a famine struck the land of Canaan, he went down to Egypt to survive, lied about his wife, and was about to lose Sarah. However, God struck the Egyptian king, and Abraham got his wife back and became very wealthy, possessing many livestock. At this time, he gave up the good land that looked like the Garden of Eden to his nephew Lot (Gen. 13:9-10). He realized and believed deeply in God’s presence and protection.

There was a war at the time, and his nephew Lot was taken captive. Hearing this news, Abraham fought against the surrounding allied nations, won, and rescued Lot (Gen. 14:16). Returning from the victory in the battle, Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, appeared and praised God Most High, who delivered his enemies into his hand (Gen. 14:20). Abraham gave the king of Salem a tenth of everything, and he refused to accept even a penny from the king of Sodom (Gen. 14:23). He relied only on the LORD God.

Nevertheless, his heart was anxious and empty (Gen. 15:1). This was because he did not have an heir promised by God (Gen. 15:2). At this time, God appeared to him and promised, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. ... So shall your offspring be" (Gen. 15:5). Then, Abraham believed the word of God's promise with his heart, and he was credited to him as righteousness (Gen. 15:6).

Time passed again, and even after ten years, there was no heir. At this time, as his wife Sarah suggested, he took Hagar and had a son, Ishmael. However, when the servant Hagar became pregnant, she despised her mistress Sarah (Gen. 16:4). Because of this, Sarah mistreated Hagar and sent her away, and Abraham took his wife Sarah's side (Gen. 16:6). The issue of the heir was still not resolved.

Walk Before Me and Be Blameless

When he was ninety-nine years old, the LORD God appeared to him and said, "Walk before me and be blameless" (Gen. 17:1). God reaffirmed His covenant, and because His covenant was with him, He said that he would be the father of many nations (Gen. 17:4). As the sign of the covenant, He commanded circumcision for him and all the males in his household (Gen. 17:11). Abraham believed God's covenant and obeyed it by performing circumcision (Gen. 17:27). He wholly obeyed God.

And God said that his wife Sarah would bear a son (Gen. 17:16). Abraham could not possibly believe it (Gen. 17:17). Sarah, being inside the tent, could not believe it and laughed. However, God said that Sarah would bear Isaac and establish an eternal covenant with him (Gen. 17:19).

God appeared in human form to confirm His covenant (Gen. 18:2). Abraham treated the three men with generous hospitality. The LORD God said that Sarah would surely have a son about this time next year. Just as God had said, when Abraham was a hundred years old, Sarah bore a son, Isaac (Gen. 21:2-3). Just as the name Isaac means, God made Abraham and Sarah laugh (Gen. 21:6).

Sacrifice Your Only Son, Whom You Love

When Isaac, whom he had at a hundred years old, had grown to a certain extent, God tested Abraham and commanded him to sacrifice his beloved only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering on Mount Moriah (Gen. 22:1-2). Abraham got up early the next morning, took his two servants and his son Isaac, and went to the place God had told him about. Leaving the two servants at the foot of the mountain, he went up the mountain with his son, carrying the wood for the burnt offering and the fire and the knife (Gen. 22:3-6).

Abraham built an altar there, bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood, and reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son (Gen. 22:9-10). At this moment, the angel of the LORD called out, "Do not lay a hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son" (Gen. 22:12). The angel of the LORD spoke to him again:

16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." (Gen. 22:16-18)

In this scene, Abraham takes the role of God the Father, and his son Isaac points to God's Son, Jesus Christ. God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up to save this world from sin and give eternal life. Through long discipline and endurance, Abraham came to know in his heart the boundless love of God the Father and the power of resurrection, who did not spare His one and only Son. Abraham grew into a person who resembled God's heart.

Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death (Heb. 11:19).

Don’t Go Into the Village

Jesus sent him home, saying, "Don't go into the village." (Mark 8:26)

This means that instead of focusing on the miracle itself, people should deeply consider the spiritual meaning contained within it. Otherwise, one might limit Jesus only to someone who heals physical ailments. This is a misunderstanding. Jesus did not make all the blind see. Jesus wants people to open their spiritual eyes and enter into God’s love, grace, and mercy.

Understanding and obeying the truth of the cross of Jesus Christ is a process that takes many years. The cross symbolizes shame, disgrace, and suffering. It is something we instinctively dislike and reject. It is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles (1 Cor. 1:23). However, to those whom God has called, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24).

This is the purpose for which we were called: to follow the way of the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ and reach the measure of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4:13). Those who have been redeemed by His blood bear the marks of Christ.

From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus (Gal. 6:17).

Amen!

May 3, 2026

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Scripture quotes are from the NIV.