March 2, 2014 - Transfiguration Sunday

Breaking Open the Scriptures Scriptures for March 2nd: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9; Theme: Transfiguration Sunday Song: Awesome God FWS 2040 Exodus: Epiphany begins and ends with a call from God. When Jesus was raised up from the water, he was a dove, and heard the words this is my beloved son. Transfiguration Sunday is all about going up to the mountain top and coming back changed. The old testament lesson tells us that this is not the first time that God spoke. He also blessed Moses and had regular conversations with Moses. Moses goes up on Mount Tabor so that he can receive the ten commandments. He speaks with God, and those looking up can see the cloud and the glory of God. They know that God is with Moses through this process. When Moses returns, it is obvious that he has been in the glory of God. No one can face God and remain the same. When you pray, when you feel God’s spirit upon your life, what happens to you? Matthew: This event is covered in all of the gospels. It is the story of the transfiguration. Jesus goes up on the mountain to pray, and as he prays his disciples see that his appearance changes. He is on the same mountain as Moses, and he has the same experience. It is important to note that this was a time of Holy prayer for Jesus. He knew that he was on holy ground, and in a holy presence. He knew that prayer changes things. The disciples were not quite sure of how to handle this situation. They had no idea of what happened (until much later). They were afraid and at a loss at what to do. Jesus tells them to tell no one, until after the resurrection. Resurrection? What Resurrection? This is the beginning of a very long journey to the cross for Jesus and the disciples. But God has blessed that journey and assured Jesus that even in the midst of the trouble, that God will be with him every step of the way. Questions: Where do you go to talk to God? Have you ever seen God’s glory in your life? What did you do? How did you respond to God? How have you been changed from an encounter with God? How do you deal with the fear of knowing that everything in life is changing? How can you trust God in the midst of change?