Banquet With The King: Transformation

Prayer – Lord, I remember when transformer cars were so popular with the kids—cars changed into robots. Such fun. Someday people will be “transformed.” You were changed from a mortal body to immortal when You were resurrected. We will be changed someday just like You…mortal to immortal…in the blink of an eye. I’m ready when You are for this transformation. I’m so excited that our bodies will be gloriously transformed—whether we are living or have died. It’s going to be so wonderful to see You…and to be reunited with loved ones who have gone before us! Thank You for this marvelous plan.

Transformed
Prism rainbow

But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Meditate. Consider your own transformation.

How do you feel about being transformed? If you have become a believer in Jesus as your Savior, have you changed? I did—I became less critical, more forgiving.

Jesus went through a transformation during an encounter with God, Moses, and Elijah, as Peter, James and John watched and reported later in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus' appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus. Mark 9:2-4

After His resurrection Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, to two people on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:35), then to the disciples in the Upper Room (John 21:14). He served the disciples breakfast on the beach and notably appeared to five hundred other people. He also was with Paul on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9:17). He was recognized—although not immediately—by everyone. Had His appearance changed? He had the marks in His hands or wrists from being hung on the cross. It was not reported that Jesus was glowing after His resurrection—He appeared to be visually like any other human.

We will be transformed in the blink of an eye. God has promised that we will be changed from mortal to immortal. We will leave behind these earthly, fleshly bodies and He will give us pure, immortal bodies. Purity is what is important to God.

For I am the LORD your God. You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. ...Leviticus 11:44

What will our transformation be like? It will happen in the twinkling of an eye but note that it does not say we will be instantly raptured at that moment. Does this “be strong and immovable” pertain to the time after our transformation and before our rapture? Jesus had forty days between His transformation after His resurrection before He was taken up during what we know as His ascension. I’ve heard a Bible End Times teacher say that we will have eight days after our transformation before we are raptured—just as the male child is with his mother for eight days before he is circumcised and dedicated to the Lord God. Could it be that we will have forty days before our rapture, just like Jesus? We don’t know for sure, but I’m confident we’ll all be rejoicing when we realize that we have been transformed—glorified! Glory-glory-glory! It will be a wonderful day.

Don’t get carried away. If there is time between our transformation in the twinkling of an eye and our rapture then be on guard—Satan will be attacking all those transformed individuals so that they are not obedient to God during that time and causing them to lose their standing or position in their future service to the Lord. Be strong and immovable. Keep your eyes on Jesus and continue to be obedient to Him. That may be a time of great testing. Be ready. Don’t fear what is happening. Understand what is happening and be refined as in Daniel 12:10—not like the wicked who just don’t understand. Another thing…don’t get so giddy that you are not following the Lord’s instructions because He may have specific things for each of us to do during those last days. Stay focused. Transformation into glorified bodies may give us the ability to instantly go great distances or to do other things like Jesus did—just appearing in a closed room! This may be an ultra-exciting time. Remain vigilant. Be obedient.

Choose today…and every day…whom you will serve. We have that choice.

Verse of Salvation ~ 'Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].' Isaiah 41:10 AMP

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Banquet With The King

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Transformation

No comments:

Blog Archive