DEVOTION//Cheer for Jesus

They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem (Luke 9:31)

My older grandchildren run cross country track.

When they make the final turn before the straightaway to the finish line, the full-throated cheers of family and friends urge them on so they finish strong.

That was the purpose of Elijah and Moses' conversation with Jesus on Transfiguration Day. Wrapped in the heavenly radiance of Jesus' eternal glory, Moses, Elijah, and their Savior "spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem." They spoke about Jesus crossing the finish line. They urged him to leave nothing on the track. They cheered as he ran full-on to accomplish his sin-forgiving, soul-saving mission.

Today, Ash Wednesday, we celebrate that Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration and resolutely headed for Jerusalem. Today and throughout Lent, we cheer Jesus on as he makes his way to the cross.

Of course, we know how the journey ends not just on Golgotha -- but at his empty Easter tomb. We cheer, nonetheless, in anticipation of that day when we will stand with Moses and Elijah in the glory of heaven to shout our praise: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!" (Revelation 19:6,7).