The Dragon Was Defeated: A Holy Week Devotional Day 2
Day 2: The Veil Was Torn Early — The Transfiguration and the Plot of Cosmic Powers Scripture: Matthew 17:1–13; Daniel 7:13–14 Theme: The Transfiguration was not just a revelation — it was a declaration of war. Verses Matthew 17:2,5 (ESV): And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. ... 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.' Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV): I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion. Devotional Before the agony of Gethsemane, before the betrayal and the trial, Jesus ascended another mountain. But this time, it was not to pray in private. It was to be unveiled.The Transfiguration is more than a vision of glory — it is a deliberate divine provocation. On this high place — echoing Mount Sinai and Mount Hermon — Jesus pulls back the veil, revealing His radiant essence.But this moment also echoes Mount Hermon, the very site of the rebellion of the Watchers in Genesis 6— those who descended to corrupt humanity with their Nephilim seed. On this mountain, now re-sanctified, Jesus reveals Himself as the true Son of God, the Divine Warrior-King who has come to reverse their legacy.He is flanked by Moses and Elijah — the lawgiver and the prophet — bearing witness that all of Torah and prophecy converges in Him. And then, the Father speaks: 'This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!'In the cosmic courtroom, this was a verdict — and a shot across the bow.From that moment on, the Gospel writers note a shift: Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem, toward death. And so do His enemies. As if awakened by the blazing light, the principalities and powers began to conspire in earnest.The transfiguration was not just about glory — it was a strategic unveiling. The dragon and his host now saw their Slayer. The camouflage was removed. The Lamb’s brilliance pierced the heavens. The dark thrones stirred. Reflection What is the significance of Jesus unveiling Himself and showing His full glory before He suffered? Are you willing to follow a King who reveals His power through sacrifice?
