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Scripture Text (NRSV)

 

Luke 9:28-36, (37-43)

 

9:28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray.

9:29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.

9:30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him.

9:31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

9:32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.

9:33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" --not knowing what he said.

9:34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud.

9:35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"

9:36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

9:37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him.

9:38 Just then a man from the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child.

9:39 Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him.

9:40 I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not."

9:41 Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here."

9:42 While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

9:43 And all were astounded at the greatness of God.

 

Comments:

 

From the mountain top to the depths of human pain. I would rather stay on the mountain top, but I know that God calls us to go down the mountain, God calls us to as disciples to have faith and hear the crys of humanity. Nancy-Wi


In one of Steven King's earliest novels, "Salem's Lot" there is a scene where the local priest confronts a great evil (King most have been reading Graham Greene, because the priest is pretty much just going through the motions). When this priest cries out for help and holds a crucifix out, he feels power going through his arm- but either he simply cannot believe this is happening, or he can't hold on, and he is defeated.

The disciples have seen the power that is in Christ, they have seen him conversing with Moses (law) and Elijah (prophets) but they seem to have no power at their disposal to heal those in the valley. Maybe they just hadn't been paying attention!

How much attention have we been paying to the power for healing that comes from Christ?

It's a lot more fun to play on the mountaintop (Kum by Yah, My Lord, Kum By Yah) then to mess with sick and hurting people.

revgilmer in texarkana

revgilmer in texarkana

 


love to sing and I love to pray, Worship the lord most every day. I go to the temple, and I just want to stay To hide from the hustle of the world and it’s ways.

And i’d Love to live on a mountain top, Fellowshipping with the lord. I’d love to stand on a mountain top, ’cause I love to feel my spirit Soar....

But I’ve got to come down >from the mountain top To the people in the valley below; They’ll never know That they can go To the mountain of the lord.

Now praising the father is a good thing to do, To worship the trinity in spirit and truth. But if we worshipped all of the time, Well, there would be no one to lead the blind.

But i’d Love to live on a mountain top, Just fellowshipping with the lord. And I’d love to stand on a mountain top, ’cause I love to feel my spirit Soar.... (soar....)

But I’ve got to come down >from the mountain top To the people in the valley below; They’ll never know That they can go To the mountain of the lord.

I am not saying that worship is wrong, But worship is more than just singin’ some songs, ’cause it’s all that we say and everything that we do; It’s letting god’s spirit live through you.

Still, i’d Love to live on a mountain top Fellowshipping with the lord. I’d love to stand on a mountain top, ’cause I love to feel my spirit Soar.... (soar....)

Yeah, I know it's been overused, but this Amy grant song still seems to speak to our confusion about what real holiness is all about. The church I grew up in used a general call to communion that went something like this "You that are in love and charity with your neighbor and that henceforth promise to live a godly and holy life, draw nigh with Love. I don't think living a godly and holy life means that you spend all your time in church services, but in service to others (If anyone knows the actual quote that I remember only dimly, I would appreciate it if you would post it here. I think it's form an older worship service in the Methodist church)

revgilmer in texarkana


Today's reading offers a remarkable conclusion to the Epiphany season and turns us toward Lent. The transfiguration of Jesus is itself a great epiphany or manifestation. In the very midst of this event is talk of what will happen in Jerusalem, where Jesus must suffer and die.

In Luke 9.27, Jesus tells his disciples that some of them "will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God." Eight short days later, Peter, John, and James witness Jesus' transfiguration on a mountaintop. As Jesus is praying, Moses and the prophet Elijah appear with him. This event is vibrant revelation of God's power in Christ.

Despite this amazing moment, Peter, John, and James find themselves overwhelmed with sleep. Peter groggily suggests that they build three booths, one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But this is not a time to stop and commemorate; there is so much more to be revealed. As Peter is speaking, a fog covers them and they are terrified when a voice from the cloud announces that Jesus is the chosen one and commands the disciples to listen to him (9.35). When the fog lifts, Jesus is alone again with the disciples. The disciples tell no one (9.36).

Though this scene is so out of the ordinary, we can relate to some themes. Everyone goes through times when there are more questions than answers. How are we called to speak God's powerful and comforting message into foggy and confusing times? How can we "listen to him" and invite others to do the same?

Whether God's grace shines into our lives through ordinary events or vibrant epiphanies, God's presence offers us a glimpse of the resurrection promise. The light that shone over the humble Judean town of Bethlehem now shines in Jesus' transfiguration. Here we stand at the halfway point between Jesus' baptism in the river Jordan and his resurrection at Easter. What was spoken to Jesus at the river is now proclaimed on the mountaintop, "This is my Son, the Chosen; listen to him" (9.35).


One of the interesting angle which we usually overlook is "Why did Jesus take the disciples up the mountain for?" The text said, "to pray"! Not to demonstrate God's glory to them (that was only a side-effect). God's glory is revealed as people observe how we pursue knowing God with our life.

Coho, Midway City.


To revgilmer in texark:

The Methodist Hymnal, 1932, 1935, 1939:

"Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in His holy ways, draw near with faith, and devoutly kneeling make your humble confession to Almighty God."

from PaideiaSCO in north GA mts.


I think of the Transfiguration as God's personal confirmation of Jesus. He had been baptized, received the approval of God, and with that, he began his ministry of preaching and teaching the Word. With his Confirmation (Transfiguration) he began the work of being the Savior, beginning the road to Jerusalem. This was the start of the more committed, point-of-no-return decision to carry out the work and all that meant. God was giving him the boost of assurance that this was indeed the plan, and that he was exactly who he thought he was. It was time to move on to the more difficult road.

Listen to him, God thunders from above. He is the only voice I want you to hear. He epitomizes the perfect law and is the fulfillment of all the prophecies. Jesus, I mark you approved and appointed and confirmed. Now go and give yourself completely.


The invitation to confession sought be revgilmer and found by Padeia in some relatively recent Methodist Hymnals is much, much older. Its origin is in the First Book of Common Prayer of 1549. It has been in every BCP (and derivatives, such as the Methodist worship texts) since. It is the work of Thomas Cranmer, first Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury and one of the truly great liturgists in the church's history.

Blessings, Eric in OH


With the anonymous poster who suggested that with the Transfiguration Jesus "began the the work of being the Savior, beginning the road to Jerusalem," I would most strongly disagree. The world of being the Savior began with his Incarnation and Nativity.... the Transfiguration is not the beginning.

Blessings, Eric in OH


There seems to be a tendency to critique the actions of the disciples regarding their response to Christ transfiguration. Yes Peter wanted to build shrines to Jesus Moses and Elijah, but he did come down with Jesus, and observed along with Jesus James and John, that the other disciples (who were not on the mountaintop) were unable to do the healing.

I remember the words of M. L. King right before he died, he gave his testimony, and then he said “ Don’t worry about me, I’ve been to the mountaintop, and I have seen the promise land! I know he was referring to Moses experience at the end of his life, but it is the confidence and encouragement that remains with me.

There is something to be said about mountaintop experiences, and praying so long until one’s face radiates. Communication with the Lord makes work in the valley like “seeking the kingdom first, and all these other things will be added." Going up the mountain with Jesus is where we learn to heal. It is a good place to go. Sometimes I think we get so caught up in our responsibilities that we aren’t aware this is God’s work, and not ours.

Shalom,   Bammamma


Just a quick note -

At the top of the mountain were disciples who wanted to pray and do no work.

At the bottom of the mountain were disciples who wanted to work without praying (see Mark 9:29).

JG in WI


To anonymous poster who quotes Sundays in Season,

I really feel that you should consider giving credit and citing your source unless you are the original listed contributor, then you are probably under a contractual arrangement to at lest print their permission for you to cite it again in this forum.

This is a matter of integrity.

Pr. del in Ia


Thanks, Coho! I now have my sermon title, "Transformed by Prayer". and my direction. Toni


Sermon for Transfiguration Sunday: "Sunscreen and Shades". Grace and Peace, Oklahoma Irishman.


Or How about "Bipolar Christianity" as a topic?


I don't have a lot of new insight into this passage which we read each year, but I would offer that to me this was a turning point for the disciples, not for Jesus.

I get the feeling that Luke is describing a more common experience than we would normally ascribe to the Transfiguration.

It is that point, where we see through Jesus, to the God beyond him. In that moment, we see beyond the human outline, into the very wonder of God. It is that moment, when the human Jesus, becomes a conduit for us to see the divine of his life.

Unfortunately it is often our arrogance and ignorance that stop us from encountering this experience very often. We simply do not want to, or are unwilling to, contemplate the magnificence of God.

Recently I got my eyes checked and discovered that I needed glasses. When I first got them, I could not believe how my eyesight had actually deteriorated. It had happened so gradually, that it was only with the shock of the magnified vision, that I became aware of what the reality really was.

This is the kind of emotive reaction that I perceive from this encounter for the disciples. They could never be the same again.

I know that this has all been said before.

Regards as always for a great week, and a great encounter, with the great God we serve.

KGB in Australia


The unsigned post-er commented that this text makes a remarkable change from epiphany to Lent. A good point, I think.

From God's revelation of his Son to our realization of who we are in his Son's presence.

Astounding.

Sally in GA


For what it's worth, I would discourage the use of the medical term, "bipolar," to describe the highs and lows of our lives of faith. I appreciate what you're saying, but #1 - bipolar disorder is an illness often devastating to those who have it and to those who love the people with it and to use the term in this way trivializes the illness ~or~ #2 - it suggests that the normally-occuring highs and lows of faith are a disease.

Plenty of people with bipolar make it just fine in life (including famous people like Ted Turner and some automobile bigwig), but I consider a woman in my church whose mother was schizophrenic (not the same illness, I know, and there's a different kind of break with reality) and I would hate to think that I'd trivialize her mother's illness! We sometimes use the word "cancer" to describe something destructive that grows, but I think that this, too, might have an unwanted effect on our listeners.

---next---

I recall the Walk to Emmaus. Everything during the walk is designed to lift peoples' spirits - occasionally to the point of giddiness. While mine occurred at just the right time in my life to be therapeutic, I've seen many become almost addicted to the experience. And, since my original Walk, I've gotten the impression that the walk has its own "party line." I've since become somewhat disenchanted - it's gotten too married with Promise Keepers and the conservative party line around these parts.

Anyways, back to my point: that mountain top experience, we have to recognize, is at least partially contrived. It's in its design for everyone to have a good time and let go and let God take over for 72 hours. It makes me wonder how many of our ~felt~ or ~perceived~ mountain top experiences are not also humanly contrived. Though God does work through them (that's not the point I'm trying to make), I'm also convinced that Jesus, Peter, John and James did NOT go to a "walk to the mountaintop" seeking a so-called mountaintop experience. They went to the mountain to pray, and there was no other human being there to give them a 72-hour "walk." This was straight from God.

Maybe what we're missing is the straight line from God. Maybe what we keep seeking is the straight line from God. Maybe we need to quit seeking it and allow it to happen straight from God.

Sally


Greetings All. I usually sit on the sidelines of this discussion, but wanted to make comment about the disciples. I have three children, ten years old and under. Some days they frustrate me to no end. Yesterdays lessons are already forgotten, the same questions asked over and over and over and over and over again. My youngest is just learning to read. I'll point to a word, he says I don't know. I tell him, and then point to another word and the same thing. Then I go back to the first word, and he's already forgotten it. My blood pressure goes up, my frustration level peaks and then I remember - he's just learning. The disciples were as imperfect as you and I. No doubt Jesus got frustrated when He clearly demonstrated His power, when God confirmed Him as The Son, and the disciples just didn't get it. But He still loved them, He still accepted their imperfections, He still welcomed them back when they got it wrong, again and again. I don't know about you folks, but I'm still learning each day. I'm sure there are many days that God is frustrated with me, but God always gives me another chance, just asks me to work a little harder at it. Whether we are on the mountain top or down in the muck dealing with the underbelly of the human situation, God simply asks us to do our best, to be willing to learn, be willing to help, be willing to pick ourselves up and try again. kn in ln


sorry - got sidetracked by my own thoughts and wasn't clear ...

that next-to-last paragraph should read "Maybe a Walk to Emmaus-like mountain top experience ..." I'm referring to my WTE and not Jesus and friends'

Sally


to Bammama-Thanks for pointing out that the disciples who could not cast out the evil spirit were not the ones who were on the mountaintop

Eric- I thought that it sounded like some of the original work done by Cranmer

And along with Saly, I would discourage the use of "Bipolar" in a sermon title for the following reasons

this (unintentionally, I'm sure)trivializes a big problem. And in a country where over sixty percent of the people think that all that someone with a mental illness has to is to try harder (that's from a recent Time magazine article)we need to be careful. This has nothing to do with being politically correct, but with respect for persons.

Also, I know from first-hand experience how devastating even a slight case ( like mine) of bipolar disorder can be. Between counseling and medication, I do fine, but it's still hard for me to understand why I have to do these things to stay somewhat even.

One of the things I do sometimes is look back at my old sermons and sermon titles- sometimes I think it's ok, sometimes I just cringe (if you wish to be humble or even humiliated,read some of your work from a few years ago)

Fortunately, we are not saved by our preaching, but by the grace of God

revgilmer in Texarkana


Just a thought

Peter, James, And John are dying to tell the other guys what they have experienced. But before they can get a word out of their mouths, they are confronted by human need and the failure of their brothers (who, according to the Scriptures, had seen Jesus do some Pretty impressive miracles)Do the three look at each other (wink, wink, If they had seen what we have just seen) or do they look at themselves and ask-could we have cast it out? Even now, knowing what we know, could we have cast out this demon?

But notice the last line- It is not "They were impressed with Jesus" but "And all were astounded at the greatness of God"

also, this may be more eisegesis than exegesis, but is there nay chance that vs. 42 is a miniature prolepsis of Jesus death and resurrection. I think I see something there, but I'm not sure

revgilmer in Texarkana


To Coho and JG in WI: Thank you for your excellent comments about prayer. Giving me some great ideas!

To the person who suggested "Bipolar Christianity" as a sermon title: I would suggest you not use this, unless you are planning to talk about the mental illness. Bipolar disorder is one that may remain hidden (i.e. you may not be able to tell just by looking at the person) in members of your congregation, and using the term lightly may be deeply hurtful to those who are dealing with it on a very personal level.

That brings me to my own comments for this week. I am hit strongly and a little concerned by the part of this passage which deals with the son who "suffers from convulsions and foams at the mouth." You see, I have epilepsy. The kind of seizures that I have do not cause me to convulse visibly -- that are not the "Grand mal" or "tonic-clonic" seizures that one typically thinks of with epilepsy, and it would be difficult for a person to tell that I was having a seizure by looking at me. However, the fact that I do have an epileptic disorder means that I am particularly sensitive to the the treatment of epileptics and am both fascinated and troubled by the treatments of epileptics throughout history -- particularly by the religious community. (The response to epileptics by the church has not often been positive.)

While there is nothing in the TEXT that says that this son who was convulsing and foaming at the mouth was having epileptic seizures, some scholars suggest that he was likely epileptic and other religious people will assume that he was. For long periods in history, it was believed that seizures were caused by demon possessions, and those whose seizure disorders were not "cured" were sometimes condemned and ostracized as "demon possessed." This led to numerous and gross mistreatments of epileptics at different periods of history.

While I am not sure that this is the direction I will go in my sermon (only a few people in my congregation know that I have epilepsy), I wanted to bring this up and entreat all of you to deal with the issue pastorally. Those who may, indeed, suffer from convulsive disorders still face numerous obstacles in this life and a lot of misunderstanding from the general public. When the assumption or connection is made that the son in this story suffered from epileptic seizures -- either by the preacher or by members of the congregation -- we need to be careful about how we deal with the issue of "demon possession." I certainly do not experience my disorder as demon possession and do not think of other epileptics as being possessed by demons. But there are those who may hold this view.

Just be careful and pastoral when dealing with this aspect of the text.

Thank you and blessings.

California Preachin'


Here's an experiment

Tell your adminstrative board that you need three days- not to be counted as vacation or study leave- to spend on a mountaintop with God (and tell them you're going to leave your fly-fishing equipment at home)

WOnder what their response would be?

revgilmer in texarkana


Eric,

Much of our liturgy in the UM (and predecessor Methodist Church) was drawn from the Book of Common Prayer that John Wesley loved. In using the liturgies of our Book of Worship I am often reminded that much of the riches and spiritual depth of UM worship is a gift that comes to us through the Anglican tradition from which we came.

Robbie in KS


Bammamma, you wrote: "Sometimes I think we get so caught up in our responsibilities that we aren’t aware this is God’s work, and not ours." That struck me because I had just--not 1/2 an hour ago!--read the following by Oswald Chambers: "Beware of anything that competes with loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for him. It is easier to serve than to be drunk to the dregs [not "drunk" as in intoxicated, but "drunk" as in one's self completely drunk by--taken into--God, as I understand this]. The one aim of the call of God is the satisfaction of God, not a call to do something for him. We are not sent to battle for God, but to be used by God in His battlings. Are we being more devoted to service than to Jesus Christ?"

I am struggling w/ this reading from Chambers, but it seems to fit in w/ what you said. It seems also to fit in w/ God's reproach of Peter for wanting to serve and do something *for* Jesus (and Moses and Elijah; let's not forget the *divided* loyalty, which was *also* a big part of the problem, I'd say) instead of simply being devoted to Jesus Himself.

YET...how does Chambers' quote fit w/ the reality of going back *down* the mountain into the nitty-gritty of serving?? Hmmmmm....

Heidi in MN


revgilmer:

I'm pretty familiar w/ Amy Grant's songs but I don't remember that one. Seems so very fitting! Can you tell me which album it's off of?

Heidi in MN


The images of the radiant faces of those who have experienced God's presence in a special way (Moses, Jesus) and then the need to come back down "off the mountaintop"--be it Sinai, or the one Jesus and Co. were on--prompts for me this, perhaps a bit off-the-wall notion of pregnancy and what comes after. You always hear about people suspecting a woman is pregnant because "she's glowing!" Something in the body actually makes the skin more luminescent during pregnancy. (This is 2nd hand knowledge for me, as I have never been "with child.") So there is this "glowing" experience--and all the wonder of pregnancy even if it *doesn't* show up visibly on the face--but then, when all is said and done, and the baby is born, reality hits in a totally different way. Some still experience having a newborn as a mountaintop experience, but for others it is very hard, like coming down into a valley. Either way, one is confronted w/ the day-to-day reality of sleepless nights, diaper-changing, getting the infant to nurse, having much less time for oneself, and all the up-and-down emotions that often go w/ that. I wonder if the pregnancy/new infant analogy can work at all for the experience of being "pregnant" with faith...........

Heidi in MN


How do we *know* the disciples who couldn't manage to cure the boy were not Peter, James, and John--i.e., the ones up on the mountain? The episode w/ the demon-possessed boy happens the next day and I don't see any clear indication of *which* disciples the father is referring to. Having said that, I like the concept of some of us focusing too much on prayer without working and some focusing too much on working apart from prayer (that would be me, I must confess). And I believe it was Martin Luther who said something to the effect of, "Get down on your knees and pray as if it all depends on God. Then stand up and work as if it all depends on you!" Seems to fit here....

Heidi in MN (OK, I think I'm done posting now!)


The illustration of Sir Edmond Hillary who was the first to climb Mount Everest. You might be interested in reading what he did after coming down from the mountain. (The illustration is at nearly the end of the message, his closing illustration, but the entire message is great.) I won't post it here, but let you go to the site.

I did send him an e-mail thanking him for his message - if you use any of it, you might wish to do the same.

JG in WI


We all wish that our faith life was like one big Rocky Mountain High. We all know that life is not like this. It seems that much of it can be spent in the valleys. The question is how are we changed or transfigured by out experience with the divine. How do we keep our faith when we are feeling that God is distant when we are experiencing a painful time in our life. Fred Rodgers of Mr. Rodgers neighborhood was asked in an interview how he had always kept his faith. Fred had witnessed trageties in his youth. He saw a car accident where people were killed. His next door neighbors house burned down killing two of his neighbors. Fred answered that his mother had a great deal to do with his faith. When he witnessed a tragety his mother said look at the helpers. The people who arrive on the scene right after something tragic has happened. The firefighter who risk their lives to save those trapped inside. The police and emergency medical personal. As well as all the neighbors and friends who come to help in picking up the pieces of ones life. These are the little Christs who help us keep the faith. I believe that a good part of our lives is spent down in the valley. As much as I wish that I could be high up on that mountain top with God where nothing could ever hurt me or those I love. When I am down in the valley I am surrounded by those who love and care for me. Jesus went up on the mountain to pray and be re-energized to face what was coming when he came down off the mountain. God gives us Christs spirit so that we too can not only experience the highs of this life but be able to trust in him when we face death. Janet in Illinios


A question that lingers for me is how did Peter, James and John know it was Moses and Elijah that appeared? (Did they wear nametags?)

The mystical breaks through our human limits.

Reflecting further on this text, I realize that a mountain top experience does not bestow power upon us. The transfiguration is a vision of the eternal and a peek into the heavenly realm.

When we come back from the majesty of the transfiguration, we are still confronted by the realities of illness, disease and the cries of those in need.

Sally above speaks of the Walk to Emmaus. That for many is a mountain top experience, but on the fourth day we re-enter the world, renewed by the living, loving spirit of God. I urge you to take from it what God has offered to you and treasure it while you use it in your ministry. Is this not the lesson from the pericope?

A W-G rocky Coast Me.


My friends and colligues, I am once again writing personally. My daughter is in the hospital with fever, rash, breathing problems and other difficulties. Chemo was done Friday and we have been here again since last night. Her counts are not bad so neutropinia is not the problem. We don't know wht the problem is. At this point in her disease, each problem without explination is frightening to her..and to me. my husband seems able to minimize the problem as Maybe I should. It is hard as I care for her most. My sons birthday came and went and I did not see him. I am feeling sorry for myself and frightened and... I am ever assured of Gods mercy in spite of me. Just asking that you pray for understanding and strength and healing. THanks my compationate friends Tammy in Texas


Tammy,

if you are still on line, know you are in my prayers. Bless you, sister. What a journey you are on, and I do hope you know you are not on it alone, but we are with you too, at least in compassion and love. May you experience his sustaining Grace and peace that passes all understanding. Read Isaiah 43. One of my favorite passages when I am fearful and when life is hard.

Blessings,

Susan in Wa.


Tammy - my heart and prayers are with you, your daughter, and the rest of your family. May God give you profound comfort and a peace that passes understanding at this time when fear is more understandable than peace. God bless you all.

A W-G Rocky - it's the 4th day I was talking about! There's a party line (at least around these parts) and a pressure to be involved in a certain way. I was in a reunion group at my former appointment (I haven't found enough Emmaus folks around here to form another one) and I was able to be invested in it - and found it rewarding for the most part. I was referring to the walks where I sponsored others or worked (I gave a talk). I won't get into the details, but there is a decided bias towards the male-dominated right. So, I use the experience for my own growth and keep from working the walks. I still encourage others to go on them; just because I've decided not to make it my full-time ministry doesn't mean it isn't a good thing ... oh, I've gone on too long and I'm sorry for that. It's just that I hate being misconstrued and given advice according to the misconstruction. It wasn't an anti-WTE post.

Sally


We have had a large multi-pointed star gracing the chancel area of our sanctuary throughout the Advent- Christmas-Epiphany seasons. As part of Sunday's service we plan to take down the star and place our "old rugged" Lenten cross in a dominant position. Any ideas how to make this a significant worship moment? This forum is a real treasure. Glenn in the Thumb of Michigan, moravian@airadv.net


Dear Tammy, We all are moved by your situation and are praying for you. To all my fellow readers, I have been prompted by several teachers to note that the words used by Luke to refer to Jesus soon departure are pointed reminders that He is leading His children by faith on an Exodus from sin and bondage. He will accomplish this as His true glory shows in the crucifixion. TA in MS


Tammy

I have a fifteen year old daughter who is the light of my life, so my heart goes out to you and my prayers are with you. THey are also with your husband who may be hurting much more than he is either willing or able to say. In our society, men are still supposed to be tough and "strong." I kow, because I tend to do this myself.

May you know that the presence of God is with you

revgilmer in texarkana

p.s. Whatis your daughter's first name? If it's alright with you, I'd like to ask my congregation to pray for her


I am thinking about taking a larger scope of the texts this week: Exodus, Psalm 99 and Luke are all about mountaintop experiences but in very different ways. Moses is all about the law (black and white thinking), the Psalmist is super spiritual having visions of God, and Luke is about the physical Jesus, God with us.

It seems to me that Christianity is not "bi-polar" at all but tri-polar or Trinitarian. We all have a favorite aspect of God, a favorite way of coming to God and we all go through stages of spiritual growth in which we delve into each aspect of God but the reality of God is that each aspect of God is a part of the One God.

Anyone else have ideas on this? Sarah


I have so many thoughts on this passage. I always appreciate the mountain/valley sermons but it's simply not what this text is all about. So if not mountains and valleys, then what? What?? What???

The other day a devout Catholic friend of mine said she was reading this passage of scripture to her sons before they went off to school. "My goodness," she said to me, "How wonderful it was for Moses and Elijah to get to meet Jesus." I'd never thought about that before. You and I get to meet Jesus--the Light of God. Do we count ourselves lucky? Turning to the 2 Corinthians text Paul's commentary on this event includes the awesome accessibility we have to God through Jesus...looking at Jesus face to face is the same as looking at God's face. Nothing is hidden. Everything about God is out in the open, just like God was out in the open with Jesus on the mountain. 2 Corinthians concludes, "Our faces shine with the brightness of his face. Our lives gradully becme brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." That's because God's love is powerful! God's glory is powerful.

Do you, like me, find yourselves sort of avoiding the whole glory thing? Such an archaic word, and yet it's in so many hymns..."All Glory, Laud, and Honor," "To Thine Be The Glory," "Angels From the Realms of Glory." What is glory anyway? One definition is "dignity." That helps. In Christ we see God's dignity...and that dignity is powerful. Probably glows in our lives when we let it get close to us, right? I think this is beautiful...but if I talk about God's dignity, well, for some reason I can hear snickers from the teenagers in the pews on my left. So maybe goodness will get farther down the road. Who knows?

Ann Lamott tells the story about the death of her father in her book, Traveling Mercies. She mentions how she ended up at the Rothko Chapel to deal with her pain. She writes, "The light in the Rothko Chapel was very beautiful; it bathed me. The face of the man who was meditating was soft and rosy, like he was giving off the chapel's light and it was wafting over to where I sat. The thing about light is that it really isn't yours; it's what you gather and shine back. And it gets more power from reflectiveness; if you sit still and take it in, it fills you cup, and then you can give it off yourself. So I sat still."

To be in God's company, to sit with God, is to be exposed to God's bigger than life goodness and dignity. It's such a stark contrast to the world's ugliness. I remember my first trip to a monestary to pray. A whole weekend with lots of silence. My face did not shine, at least not enough for anyone to mention. What I did experience was that I had this overwhelming desire to brush my teeth. My mouth was so dirty because God is just soooo very good. That's glory. That's what 48 hours in God's presence will do. When Jesus sat with God on that mountain, his face gathered in God's goodness, too. As we approach Lent, the season that begs us to sit with God's goodness or dignity and confess that we often can't find ours...will we gather in God's goodness and let it shine in our lives, or will we say "no, not yet...I'm just not ready....again?"

My sermon title? My secretary sure wishes I had one. revdlk in nebraska


Rev dlk in Nebraska,

I had an interesting experience while on my Walk to Emmaus a couple of years ago. One of the Spiritual Directors, while giving a talk had a very soft but distinct light just over his head. It remained there for awhile after he spoke as well. Being somewhat superstitious about that kind of stuff, I tried to see any other rational explanation for that glow, whether it was light from the sanctuary or the windows, but I could see nothing. Then, it dawned on me, that this man, who had been the Pastor at the church I was then serving for 25 years prior to my coming there, was one of the most humble and godly men I had ever known. So, why wouldn't God's glory be shining on him as he spoke. He proclaimed the Gospel in truth and in great humility. The glory wasn't anything he saw, or was even aware of, but those who listened saw it. Moses didn't know he had the light shining on his face either. But the people noticed it. I think it is interesting that Moses put a veil over his face in the presence of the people, (humility) but removed it when he was in the presence of God. Oh that we would remove our veils (masks) when in the presence of God, and allow him to speak to us in such a way that others know we have been in his presence, and they are drawn there too.

Susan in Wa.


Rev dlk in Nebraska,

I had an interesting experience while on my Walk to Emmaus a couple of years ago. One of the Spiritual Directors, while giving a talk had a very soft but distinct light just over his head. It remained there for awhile after he spoke as well. Being somewhat superstitious about that kind of stuff, I tried to see any other rational explanation for that glow, whether it was light from the sanctuary or the windows, but I could see nothing. Then, it dawned on me, that this man, who had been the Pastor at the church I was then serving for 25 years prior to my coming there, was one of the most humble and godly men I had ever known. So, why wouldn't God's glory be shining on him as he spoke? He proclaimed the Gospel in truth and in great humility. The glory wasn't anything he saw, or was even aware of, but those who listened saw it. Moses didn't know he had the light shining on his face either. But the people noticed it. I think it is interesting that Moses put a veil over his face in the presence of the people, (humility) but removed it when he was in the presence of God. Oh that we would remove our veils (masks) when in the presence of God, and allow him to speak to us in such a way that others know we have been in his presence, and they are drawn there too.

Susan in Wa.


revdlk in nebraska Thanks for your reflections concerning your sermon preparation. I know what it is like to want to speak to all the ages in one’s congregation and be relevant. But your speaking about the teenager’s and their reaction made me think about my Christian journey.

When I was a teenager (and maybe a little before that), there was a blind man in one of the churches I attended, who during the service would "get happy", "shout", "become filled with the Holy Spirit," because of a song, or the sermon, or whatever else might have take place.” During the rest of the service he would express himself by saying "Glory!". We teenagers would snicker, giggle, and/or time the intervals between his expressions of "Glory's!" Other adults would give us the eye, or look harsh at us, for our giggling, etc. So as I grew older and matured, I learned to apply the Mary rule, "pondered his expressiveness in my heart." I have speculated that deep in his soul, and in his mind’s all seeing eyes, he has seen the “Glory of Christ face to face.” I don’t know his name, and I’m quite sure he has passed on to Glory, but I have never forgotten his expression, and though I don’t say it out loud before, during and after service, (shucks all day every day), I get happy and shout“ “Thank You Jesus” This past week, I had a mountain top experience. I still remember, and have shared it with a few family members, and friends. But I don’t want to be tempted to stay on the mountain. Probably because I don’t want “the teenager’s snickering at me.” But I Thank God for all of the “saints” I use to snicker and giggle about. I thank them for the Spiritual guidance, and my total journey growing up. And If I have a witness of any kind, I hope some teenager will hear my expression of faith journey, and later be able to say, “Glory”

Shalom, bammamma


In doing some more grunt work on these pericopes, I'm drawn more to the "veiling" and its metaphor of ignorance, of the shining countenance of theophany. (BTW, thank you for the Anne Lamott quote). It's likely that Moses put the veil on to prevent being profaned in between the times he spent with God.

Back in those days, folks believed that gods (though the Israelites worshiped Yahweh, they nonetheless recognized others had gods, too) had luminescent skin. So, it's not surprising that Moses' face shone, too. (from notes in the New Interpreter's Study Bible)

I'm thinking of Paul's using "veil" as a metaphor for ignorance ~plus~ Jesus' words, "You faithless and perverse generation..." (again from notes in the New Interpreter's) The disciples still failed to grasp who/what Jesus is - even after the theophany.

I disagree that Moses veiled because of humility. At least not consciously. Rather, it was a way of removing the veil - coming into the presence, the glowing presence, of God and understanding. A way to set apart time with God, to mark the occasion - and the Word from On High.

Unfortunately, as Jesus indicates, the veil remained. And still later, as Paul indicates, persisted.

Where in our lives do we persist in our ignorance of faith? (I recall Job's wife: "why do you persist in your faith?") The paradox is that where we most persist in ignorance, is where we're least likely to recognize it!

Sally


Just a couple of things I noticed. First that the disciples were 'weighed down with sleep', but 'since they stayed awake' they saw Jesus transfigured -- It took some effort on their part to experience this.

Also, someone pointed out to me that Peter not unlike the church was uncomfortable with this mystical experience and tried to distract by proposing a building project.

I my experience main line churches are a lot more comfortable with the work and the valleys of faith than they are with the mountain top. But, without the mountain top, without the experiences that give our faith an injection of adrenaline, and have us experiencing the glory of God it is tough and even meaningless to do the work of faith.

KBinAB


Does anyone have any Calls to Worship and Invocation Prayers/Confessions of Sin that will work well for Transfiguration Sunday? I am having difficulty finding ones I like. If you know any good ones, could you please post them, either in the "Call to Worship and Prayers" area or here? Thanks so much!

Peace and blessings, California Preachin'


Sermon title: "In the Tanning Booth with God"... or "Half Baked for God"... or "Turn me over, I'm done!"

Just a few humorless titles...

"Red faced for God!"

pulpitt in ND (I've been away for a while...thanks for you faithful... blessed are the cheesemakers!) ;?)


Two observations/contributions: after "Google-ing," I discovered that there are folks out there who think the Transfiguration is Biblical proof that there are UFOs that visit us. I had hoped that this nonsense had gone away with the 1960's!

The other is something I ran across in Esther de Waal's latest book, "Lost in Wonder: Rediscovering the Spiritual Art of Attentiveness" (Liturgical Press, 2003). She quotes from a new translation of the Rule of St. Benedict: "However late, then, it may seem, let us rouse ourselves from lethargy. That is what the scripture urges on us when it says: the time has come for us to rouse ourselves from sleep. Let us open our eyes to the light that shows us the way to God. Let our ears be alert to the stirring call of his voice crying out to us every day: today if you should hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."

de Waal goes on to comment, "So this calls the Transfiguration to mind with the scene of drowsy disciples being startled by the shining forth of the brilliant light of Christ, and their ears astonished by a sound like thunder. This is the divine light, the light which not only shows us the way to God but makes us more like God, shaping us into his likeness."

When we are "overshadowed by a cloud," drowsy disciples that we are from time to time, terrified that we can't fall back to the law and the prophets with all certainty that should be reserved for God, we need to look for the divine light of Christ and listen for the thundering voice that proclaims we are to listen to Jesus!

OLAS


This illustration appeared in the Rumors newsletter to which I subscribe (more info at the bottom). It's rather good.

FROM THE BOOKSHELF – The spirit dancing A story about Christ’s transfiguration first published in Aha!!! by Ralph Milton

"What happened, Peter?" Mark asked. "I can't tell you. Not now," Peter answered. "Are you OK? You and James and John. You look awful!" "No, we're not sick, Mark." Peter was shaking a little. "Just leave us alone, OK?" It was years later when Mark finally heard the story of what had happened that day. It seemed like a lifetime ago. Jesus, the one they thought was the Messiah, had been executed like a common criminal. Strung up on a cross. But then he'd come back and been among them. And later, Holy Spirit came to all of them at Pentecost. "What DID happen to you, that day on the mountain," Mark asked Peter. "You didn't want to talk about it then." "I didn't know what it was about then." Peter was smiling. "Well now that you know, tell me." "I still don't know anything," Peter said. "But I understand. There's a difference." "I don't get the difference. But never mind. Just tell me what happened." "Well, Jesus asked me and James and his brother John to go up with him to the top of the mountain. We thought he was just going to pray. But all of sudden, Jesus changed. His face shone. It was like looking into the sun. And his clothes turned white. Really white." "That's just like what happened to Moses!" "Yeah," said Peter. “And then there were two people with Jesus." "Who?" Mark asked. "Elijah and Moses." "How did you know?" "I don't know how we knew," said Peter. "But we knew. And Jesus was talking to them." "What did they say?" "I couldn't hear. And Jesus wouldn't tell us afterward." "So what did you do?" said Mark. "I didn't know what to do. I said to Jesus, 'Shouldn't we build three little houses here? I could build one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.'" "Why would you want to do that?" Peter laughed. "Because I can't think under pressure, that's why. So I say something dumb." "What did Jesus say?" Mark asked. "He didn't say anything. A bright cloud came and covered him. Then we heard a voice. James and John heard it too. You can ask them." "Was it God?" "It must have been. The voice said, 'This is my Son. I love him. Listen to him.'" "That's all?" asked Mark. "That's all!" "What did you do?" "We were so scared. We fell flat on our faces. But then we heard Jesus saying very gently, 'Don't be afraid. Get up.' Mark was shaking his head. "I don't get it. Every time I think I understand, I hear something new. But it's funny, Peter. I hear you tell that story and I feel strong and good and happy inside." "Yeah!" Peter was laughing. "I know what you mean. It kinda gets the old spirit dancing, doesn't it?"

For information about Aha!!! and lots of other resources, check out our website at: www.joinhands.com

If you are writing to a friend about Rumors, just copy this note to them: RUMORS is free. It comes to your e-mail box every Sunday morning. Here's all you do. Send an e-mail to: rumors-subscribe@joinhands.com. Don't put anything else in that e-mail. There are instructions at the end of each issue telling you how to get off the list if you no longer want to receive it.

Posted by California Preachin'


Has anyone tried looking at the Exodus passage, the 2Cor., and the Luke passage to see the connections about a change in appearance after encountering God? I thought it interesting to find this thread - Even Jesus' appearance changed when he began praying to God at the Transfiguration. Just wanted some other comments on the possiblity of this theme: "IS YOUR FACE SHINNING?" Vic in Al.


A W-G asks how the disciples recognised Moses and Elija. I always figured they had their trading cards. "Trade you a Moses for an Aaron and any two minor prophets."

Olas, Want a wierd Science-fiction-like notion to munch on? What if what the disciples were experiencing was the actuall moment of contact these two past prophets were having with God. Jesus telling Elija "Go back down. I have 700 you don't know about, and I'll fix you up with Elisha." To Moses, Jesus is saying, "What do you mean they broke? Go get some more tablets and do it over." Or perhaps,"No, you can't go in but I'll show it to you." No, those things happened in Peter, James and John's past, you say? If Jesus is God incarnate then the holy I AM is present in time and space and those with him are touching infinity and eternity. Maybe they are standing in viewing distance to the place where all time meets in NOW. Maybe Elija and Moses, from that same place, are seeing the disciples and knows the future is safe. Maybe this is Moses' view into the Promised Land from that final mountain top he climbed. Too wierd to wrap your mind around? Truth is stranger than even sci-fi. It probably won't preach, but to think so far outside the box may remind you how awesome God really is. It might make you a little shiny, yourself, to push the imagination when thinking on God. Magi in the Middle


Vic in Al,

Yes, I have seen the same connection and I am calling my sermon "In His Presence" talking about prayer. Susan in Wa.


I am pondering the analogy of a Native American vision quest in relation to this text. They go up on the mountain to pray. It is an intentional trip. It is a high mountain, not an easy jaunt. Just as a Native American vision quest would likely involve an animal spirit guide, so the visions of Moses and Elijah, the use of the greek word “exodon” (departure – exodus), the cloud, all fit into what might be the cultural expectations of religious visions for the disciples.

Lent then becomes our vision quest time. Huston Smith in his book, Why Religion Matters, has a section on the difficult of the spiritual path.

A part of the message must then be, if you want a mountain top experience you have to put in the spiritual energy of the quest.

Anyone with a better understanding of N.A. vision quests that can tell me if this is an apt analogy?

Steve Hermes, Lander WY


I see an illustration of this passage on this webpag when, two days ago, Tammy broke into the discussion and raised her daughter up for our concern. Up until that point, we were going about our regular routine, living our lives and existing in comfortable community together. The news of her daughter breaks in and, in my mind, our purpose as the family of God is clear- pray, support, love. We are transfigured from a casual community of pastors worrying about Sundays sermon into the community of faith rallied together for one in need. And then we slipped back into our posting, our worrying about Sunday's sermon and became our casual community once again.

(An aside, has anyone had the thought that this is a 'Superman' story? Jesus pops into a cloudy fogbank and comes out 'Transfigured Man!' The mild mannered preacher sheds his nerdy glasses, rips off his robe and is revealed in his true identity, with his two trusty companions at his side)

My reflections for this Sunday are a bit off of the discussion here- I have been thinking about how dull we have made our religion. Where is the wonder in our hearing of this story? We toss words like love, peace, resurrection, and God about with such casual ease. And yet, stories like this one should serve to remind us of God's wonder-filled eternal presence with us, Jesus' wonder-filled place in our lives, our wonder-filled place in God's kingdom.

Where is our awe? Where is the heart leaping to our mouths as we see Christ revealed? Where is our jaw-dropping fear as God speaks? Why are we not fainting before this amazing display? Where is the laughter as we hold the awesomeness of God beside the ordinary of our lives?

For Sunday, I am going to press myself and the congregation to stop seeking answers for a moment (and finding fault- listen to the carping- the disciples couldn't heal, the disciples didn't get it right, the disciples wanted to sleep... blah- why focus on these weak features of the story when Jesus transfigures before us?) and simply reside in the awesome questions that this story raises. How wonderful is God? How great is Jesus? What waits for us up on the mountain? Down in the valley?

Sure, we've all said that we have to go back down the mountain as if we are forced to trudge back into our ordinary demanding lives... but have you ever thought that God, Jesus and this radiant display go with us too? And possibly, it was also there with us all the time... if we had the eyes to see and the ears to hear? We don't just walk up a mountain with our savior... he's been along for the journey the entire time. God didn't just break through in one moment of glory... God's there in each moment of our day.

My hymn for Sunday- Open My Eyes That I May See The first line of our congregational prayer- Creator, Save us from being dull Christians with all the answers...

TB in MN


To Vic in AL, I'm using those three readings and my sermon is titled "The Great Unveiling", challenging folks to take/make/DEMAND time for the (sometimes tough) mountaintop experience, and then suggesting some ways to keep the shining face when we're in the valley. Jesus retreated for prayer when the valley became overwhelming, and that for me is a model which works well in today's hectic/frantic pace of life. How else can we be "little Christs" for others we meet in our journey if we don't allow our faces to shine, if we don't remove the veils that keep people from seeing the Spirit of God awakened within us up on the mountaintop? KASinNJ


KASinNJ

You ask how we can keep the glow. Question: Is the glow the product of the person who has it? IMO, we don't produce the glow nor do we maintain it. It either exists or it doesn't. I do believe that it takes eyes that it requires "eyes that can see" inoder to see it. It's a "God-thing." A question that needs to be addressed is "can we see our own glow?" And if the answer is Yes, then how do we avoid narcicism.

West Texas Presbyterian

West Texas Presbyerian


Steve Hermes - I like the thought, "if you want a mountain top experience then you've got to put forth the spiritual energy of the quest."

I also like the post immediately following: TB in MN - "save us from being dull Christians with all the answers."

It seems that "having all the answers" is the sloth that expects mountain top experiences without climbing the mountain. Get the answer, and then there's no reason to go any further!

Good insights, y'all!

Sally


Dear California Preachin',

One trigger for a person with epilepsy is a condition called "photosensitivity": bright light, strobe lights, light changes cause a seizure. The seizure at the base of the Mount of Transfiguration was caused by Jesus and the brilliance of his clothes and face. Jesus held both the cause and the healing of his epilepsy.

I've been there, done that. Now I am healed of epilepsy. Still can't stand strobe lights!

The Tonic Clonic Kid


KASinNJ

You ask how we can keep the glow. Question: Is the glow the product of the person who has it? IMO, we don't produce the glow nor do we maintain it. It either exists or it doesn't. I do believe that it takes eyes that it requires "eyes that can see" inoder to see it. It's a "God-thing." A question that needs to be addressed is "can we see our own glow?" And if the answer is Yes, then how do we avoid narcicism.

West Texas Presbyterian

West Texas Presbyerian


I think I'm being called to look at Peter's desire to build those tabernacles (or booths). It seems as though he wants to hold onto the moment. The theme of my sermon will be focused on "letting go". Although this must have been difficult for Peter, imagine what would have happened if he had his way - Jesus would never have been crucified and glorified on the cross. Its funny how when the temptation of holding onto the moment seize Peter's mind, God breaks in.

A Pastor on the Jersey Shore...


Fred Craddock says:

"Who has not heard interpretations of the transfiguration joined to the following story of a healing that offered a 'mountaintop experience' followed by the admonition to 'come down to the valley of service'?

"For Jesus, the transfiguration confirmed who he was and assured that the announced path before him was not only according to the law and the prophets but was the will of God for him. For the apostles, the experience told them that Jesus was God's Son and to be obeyed as he instructed them on the way to Jerusalem and death.

"One thing is clear: Jesus and his three disciples have an experience of God. Its meaning for Jesus and for them is different, but the only actor in the event is God. Jesus is not acting but is being acted on. The God of Moses and Elijah affirms them in their unity with Jesus but asserts the finality of Jesus. The God who could rescue the Son from suffering confirms for Jesus the way of the cross. This God also telss the disciples, who will soon face conditions that seem to derail if not bring to an end ther hope in Jesus, that those very painful conditions do not lie across the way but on the way to the completion of God's purpose. This is a mountaintop experience but not the kind about which persons write glowingly of sunrises, soft breezes, warm friends, music, and quiet time. On this mountain the subject is death, and the frightening presence of God reduces those present to silence. In due time, after the resurrection, they will remember, understand, and not feel heavy. In fact, they will tell it broadly as good news."

Shalom


Within the last two months, I’ve lost both of my grandparents. We buried my grandmother on Valentine’s Day. Perhaps for this reason, I do not see the valley simply as our work or service. Rather, I see it as the psalmist’s valley of the shadow of death. Jesus appears with Elijah and Moses – Moses, who died on the mountaintop in God’s presence, Elijah who was taken by God. Jesus is greater than they are, yet he will not be spared as they were – he will suffer and die, crying “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The disciples do not believe Jesus when he tells them he must suffer, but God confirms this with the words “Listen to him!” The only way forward is through that valley of death, not only for Jesus but also for us. Jesus will lead us on the exodus, taking us through the wilderness of death to the promised land of God’s glory.

I’m leaning toward a teaching sermon, using this text to help us prepare for the Lenten season, encouraging us to walk through that valley with Jesus as we follow him to the cross.

Leanne in AL


Playing with Luther's "Theology of the Cross." We tend to think that "seeing God" happens on the mountain and "doing God", (i.e., service) happens in the valleys. However for Luther, God became even more visible in the valleys.

RevJohn in Juneau