The journey from the Mount of Transfiguration to Mount Calvary is complete. Jesus, the Lamb of God, has been sacrificed for the sins of the whole world. He has died on the cross. His human body is safely sealed in Joseph's tomb. His disciples and friends are resting, observing the Sabbath. The women are preparing to finish caring for the body in the tomb.
None of the Gospels record what Peter shares in his first letter. When Jesus rose victorious from the dead He left the sealed tomb and descended into hell to proclaim His victory over Satan, sin, death, and hell. The Church has been confessing the descent into hell for hundreds of years in the Apostolic Creed. It is the great assurance all Christians have that the victory over sin, death, and hell has been won. Later on Easter Day Jesus will appear to the living to make them aware of what those in eternity knew-hell holds no terror for those who are in Christ!
The conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration may have included the topics of past deliverances from fear. Moses and the Children of Israel were delivered from the Egyptians; Elijah and the Children of Israel were delivered from Ahab and the prophets of Baal. None would compare to the deliverance Jesus would win on Mount Calvary. Our journey ends in heaven!
THE PRAYER: We thank You, Heavenly Father, for our deliverance from hell and our sure promise of heaven. Amen.
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