Terrifying Holiness and Immeasurable Tenderness Bound in One

"He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." (Matthew 17:5-7)

The thing that has always hit me about the Transfiguration in Matthew 17 is Peter's response to seeing Moses and Elijah discoursing with Jesus. I've often found it hilarious that he blurts out this inane comment about setting up tents for the three, as though they were equal - it was like he just had to say something, anything.

But what hit me this morning was not the usual good-ol'-Peter thing. It was the above verses that stood out this time.

Do you ever consider that both perfect, terrifying holiness and steadfast, immeasurable tenderness are bound up in Jesus? Think about it. He was transfigured before the disciples, showing a measure of His glory in spotlessness; His face shining like the sun, His clothes "white as light". On top of that, the voice of the Father booms out of a bright cloud! Imagine that. It was only natural for them to fall on their faces in terror. When sinners are confronted with the glory of God, that seems to be the general response.

But then there is a change. The emphasis switches from the holiness of God to His tenderness.

"But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear.""

In Christ we need not be afraid. We can approach God's glorious throne unashamed. We need not be terrified of His holiness.

God's holiness and tenderness are bound together. Though He is holy, though He is Perfection, He reaches out. He touches; He is not separate from us. God is no longer unapproachable, because He has approached us.

Have you ever been hurting (whether emotionally, physically, spiritually, etc.) and felt a sympathetic hand on your shoulder? You must know that the simple touch gives as much comfort as the spoken word, if not more. Even animals are comforted in feeling a tender hand. It's something about that physical connection that adds to the words, "have no fear".

"For I, the LORD your God,

hold your right hand;

it is I who say to you,

"Fear not, I am the one who helps you.""

(Isaiah 41:13)

"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades." (Revelation 1:17-18)

Some day all of God's people will feel His touch, as He wipes every tear from their eyes. Faith and hope will find their glorious end in His loving presence. I don't know about you, but I hope for a bear-hug. :)