TEXT: Matthew 17:1-2: After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Dearly beloved, Happy Easter to you and your family in Jesus name. Our Lord Jesus Christ is risen. Hallelujah. In Matt. 28:6 we were told that “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (NIV). I pray that every good and glorious thing in your life that are dead and are giving you concern would receive the resurrection power of our Lord Jesus Christ today. I pronounce life into that dead finances, marriages, health, career, and vision in Jesus name. As He is risen, you would also rise in Jesus name. I am convinced and assured of this because our Lord Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8).
Brethren, Easter represents a season that marks the next level of our Lord Jesus Christ. It should be a time of reflection on the translation of our Lord Jesus Christ from mortality to immortality; from humanity to divinity; from the physical to the spiritual; and from temporary transfiguration (as recorded in Matt. 17:1-2) to permanent transfiguration recorded in Matt.28:6. Brethren, you would recall that 3 days earlier, it was recorded in John 19:30 that “when he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (NIV). From the story of our Lord Jesus Christ, we can see that going to the next level may require a sacrifice from us. It may require physical and spiritual relocation; may require death to flesh and pleasure; may require a change in vision; would require absolute humility; may require physical and spiritual separation; may require been abandoned and rejected by those that are close to you; and may even require your life. Our Lord Jesus Christ through His experience in His trial and crucifixion showed us what we should expect in our match to the next level either in the physical or in the spiritual. Are you prepared to carry your cross and follow Him? Dearly beloved, Easter time is always a time of reflection on our walk with the Lord. In Luke 9:23 our Lord Jesus Christ “said to them all: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (NIV). He was more emphatic in Matt.10:38 where he said “and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (NIV).
I am aware that humans are generally afraid of change. A lot of time we are afraid of change because of the fear of the unknown. This is so because a lot of time we do not see beyond our immediate physical environment. But Apostle Paul has informed us in I Cor. 13: 12 that “now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (NIV). Next level would often come in disguise. It may come through trials; through challenges; through persecution; through misunderstanding by friends and neighbours. On your way to next level, you may be called names; hated and despised by many; you may be discouraged; and circumstances may not be in your favour. When these happened, there is every tendency that you are on your way to the next level if you persevere.
The passage showed us how our Lord Jesus Christ decided that He should take His very close disciples with Him to a higher and next level before He goes to the cross. He knew that His time was near, it became imperatives that He should let them know and have a glimpse of His glory and a glimpse of heaven. In our text we see how God took His closest disciples with him to this important higher level experience. This tells us that to get to the next level you would need to be led. You must be ready to be led by God. Who leads you would determine your next level. That is why it is important that you are sure of who is leading you; whether it is Christ or the Devil. Again, your destination would be determined by whose leadership you are willing to accept. I am confident that the next level for those who are led by our lord Jesus Christ is the mountain top. As we read in our text, we see that the next level meant relocation from ordinary land to the mountain top. At mountain top there are so many things that you would enjoy. One of these is that you would be operating at a higher level of frequency. This is because you would be able to see farther horizon. In addition, when you are at mountain top you would be operating at secure and safe ground. Third, you would be free from distractions, as you would be focussed. Accordingly, you would see as God would want you to see. It would become easy for you to surrender all. Fourth, your focus would shift from the terrestrial to the celestial. Fifth, you would enjoy the presence of God. There is nothing that is more appealing than to enjoy what you are doing. You would no longer struggle to worship, pray and fast.
I would see you at your next level at the mountain top in Jesus name.
Shalom.
Dr. Yinka Okude
Pastor – in – Charge
RCCG, Jesus Sanctuary, Northampton
