“Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom” Matthew 16:28

Were it not for the following verses, we might conclude that Jesus was mistaken: “Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light” Matthew 17:1-2.

A glimpse of Jesus coming in the kingdom is found in the Transfiguration, which Peter describes in 2 Peter 1:16-18 “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.”

This very real momentary breakthrough of the future kingdom made on indelible impression on Peter in particular. Although he was destined to deny Jesus three times in days ahead, with the shadow of the cross eclipsing the glory of the kingdom transfiguration, he would be reestablished in his faith and commitment. He would declare, “So we have the prophetic word made more sure” 2 Peter 1:19.

A vision of the triumphant Christ in the coming kingdom is crucial as we face life’s trials, disappointments, and setbacks. We dare state that Jesus, detached from His kingdom triumph and destiny, makes little or no sense. Without the coming kingdom, His miracles and even His resurrection, lack any real purpose or meaning for us. It is only when we see that the dynamic of His life is to triumph over all rulers and world powers that we see that He is conqueror of all that threatens us.

We desperately need a vision of the triumphant King and kingdom. Without it, we descend into hopeless despair and defeat. But with it, we face today’s challenges and obstacles with overcoming optimism and hope - “So we have the prophetic word made more sure.”

The Transfiguration was more than a vision; it was a very real moment in time when the future temporarily broke through into the present. And it was enough; it carried Peter, James, and John through the valley of despair to resolute faith and commitment. It will do the same for us. May an unmistakable vision of the unshakeable kingdom carry us through even the most distressing times and circumstances.

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