Friday, February 5, 2010

February 14, 2010

Breaking Open The Scriptures
Scriptures for February 14th: Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-43 Songs: Come Away With Me – TFWS 2202; Be Thou My Vision UMH 451; Shine Jesus Shine – TFWS 2173

2 Corinthians
It is easy to wonder who Paul is talking to as we read the words of Corinthians? Is he talking to Cornerstone Church or Corinthian Church. If Paul lived so long ago, why is it that human nature has not changed? Why are these words so important to us? When Paul talks about reading scripture under a veil, he is talking about an even older tradition. Today is transfiguration Sunday – the say when Jesus appeared different to those who witnessed him praying that day. Moses also looked different after he spent time on the mountain with Jesus. He used a veil to talk with the people, because they could not bear to see him for what he was. Traditionally, people starting wearing a veil when they read scripture. Paul wanted us to realize that is not necessarily. We can open our eyes and see God for who God is. We don’t need to use nice words to tell the truth – we can speak what we feel. God loves us for who we are, where we are- even in the midst of our imperfection.

Luke
All scriptures for this week lead us to the transfiguration event. Jesus takes his disciples to what is believed to be Mount Hermon. After a night of prayer, Jesus’ form is transformed. He appears to be glowing. Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus, which means that what Jesus must do in the future, is deeply grounded in what has already happened in the past. Moses and Elijah represent the law and the prophets. After the meeting he goes down and continues his ministry. It is all down hill from here. He is on his way to Jerusalem to meet his destiny – and to save us from our sins. So that we don’t have to be ashamed to make the changes in our lives – and have others see that since our encounter with Jesus, we have all been changed.

Questions: Should Christians expect to appear different to others? How do we answer the question that you have changed? Where do we experience Jesus? Do we have to go to the mountaintop? Or do we see Jesus in our everyday lives? What role does the veil play in our faith? Do we need to hide from Jesus and Jesus word for us?

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