18 NOVEMBER (PREACHED 1770)
A momentary glimpse within the veil
‘And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.’ Luke 9:33–34
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Acts 1:1–11
Peter and his companions awoke from their sleep but just in time to be eye-witnesses of their Lord’s glory and of the appearance of Moses and Elias. They were about to depart when he cried out, being struck with what he saw. He cried out, It is good to be here. Presently after, the whole was withdrawn. Some of the Lord’s people have been witnesses to happy moments when the veil seemed to be removing and they were upon the point, as it were, of getting a sight of things invisible, but they have hardly had time to recollect themselves and raise their expectations, before a cloud comes between and they are left at their former distance, convinced indeed that there were great realities, ready open to their view, but unable to recollect even to their own apprehensions what that wonderful impression was which so affected them. Something like this was the experience of the disciples; they were beginning to rejoice in what they saw, when a cloud overshadowed them and turned their joy into fear.
FOR MEDITATION:
A glance from heaven, with sweet effect,
The lightning’s flash did not create
Sometimes my pensive spirit cheers;
The opening prospect it revealed;
But, ere I can my thoughts collect,
But only showed the real state
As suddenly it disappears.
Of what the darkness had concealed.
So lightning in the gloom of night,
Just so, we by a glimpse discern
Affords a momentary day;
The glorious things within the veil;
Disclosing objects full in sight,
That when in darkness, we may learn
Which soon as seen, are snatched away.
To live by faith, till light prevail.
But shall I murmur at relief?
The LORD’S great day will soon advance,
Though short, it was a precious view;
Dispersing all the shades of night;
Sent to control my unbelief,
Then we no more shall need a glance,
And prove that what I read is true.
But see by an eternal Light.
SERMON SERIES: ON THE TRANSFIGURATION, NO. 8 [1/5], LUKE 9:34
Milo 