14 MAY (PREACHED 1770)
Partakers of the resurrection
‘And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elijah: who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.’ Luke 9:30–31
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy 34:1–12; 2 Kings 2:1–12
In one thing Moses and Elijah differed: Elijah was translated without tasting death. The circumstances of Moses’ death were uncommon and honourable, yet he did die. Now he appeared in glory upon equal advantage with Elijah. I see no reason to suppose that he assumed a body upon this occasion, or the appearance of a body only. I rather think that he was partaker of the resurrection of Jesus, before the great day of the general resurrection, as it is certain several were soon afterwards (Matthew 27:53). Though they left this world in different ways, they now appeared in the same glory. Various are the dispensations through which the Lord’s people pass in the present life, and by which they pass out of it, but they shall all appear at last in the same glory. And thus their redemption draweth nigh. How the disciples knew Moses and Elijah, we are not told. Perhaps our Lord informed them, either when they appeared or after they departed. Or, for ought we know, an impression attended their appearance that satisfied the disciples who they were. It seems not at all improbable that when we mingle with the world of spirits, we shall know as we are known—without needing information. How sweet will the communion be which believers shall have with each other, not only with those whom they walked with here below, but with all who have died in the Lord. O to sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in our Father’s kingdom. But these things, as yet, are hid. We cannot order our speech concerning them by reason of darkness.
FOR MEDITATION:
In vain my fancy strives to paint
Thus much (and this is all) we know,
The moment after death;
They are completely blest;
The glories that surround the saints,
Have done with sin, and care, and woe,
When yielding up their breath.
And with their Saviour rest.
SERMON SERIES: ON THE TRANSFIGURATION, NO. 5 [2/3], LUKE 9:30–31
Milo 