from one degree of glory to another -- part 3

The Word for today:
Psalms 130, 131

mark this: ascription, Psalm 130, 131--
A song of Ascents. (NIV, ESV);
A Song of Degrees. (KJV)

Note: Today we conclude a 3-part article concerning Psalms 120-134, known as the Songs of Ascents (or "Degrees"). Part 1 was published in this space three days ago. Part 2 was published yesterday.)

***

When the people of Israel traveled to Jerusalem for the feast days, they sang their way up the mountainside approaches to the city. The songs they sang are preserved for us in Psalms 120 to 134. The NIV Bible labels each of these a "Song of Ascents." The KJV Bible calls them "Songs of Degrees."

By degrees--one step after another--you are ascending your very own Mount of Transfiguration. Step by step, we are going up the "hill" with Jesus. That's the plan:

His death is ours; his resurrection is ours:
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Romans 6:5).

We are being transformed:
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:29)

Even his transfiguration is ours:
Those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:30)

So we are going to end up being just like Jesus!--

Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:49)

Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)

But until then, don't rush things. Remember, it's one step at a time. And most of all, as you make your way, remember what God said when Jesus was transfigured: "Listen to him."

He knows the way to the top. He's the only one who's been there before.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~