On this Transfiguration Sunday, Pastor Beth explored with us what the transfiguration of the Lord meant then, and what it means for us now.
God spoke to Peter, James and John from a cloud, as Jesus was enveloped in a brilliant light. “This is my son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” When they heard and saw this, they fell to the ground in fear. But Jesus reached out and touched the terrified disciples and told them to get up and not be afraid. When they did, things returned to the way they were…but inwardly the disciples had changed. They had been given a “radiant glimpse of the truth”, that God is always doing more than we realize and understand.
Like the disciples, we often do not understand, have doubts and are afraid. We ask why our prayers aren’t being answered. Pastor Beth reminded us God is always present. He is at work in our lives and the lives of others in ways we don’t always see, know or understand. And we may never understand, until we see God face to face on the other side.
Pastor Beth prays we remember Christ is always with us as we live in this hurting world, and that we be open to God using us to shine brightly for those who are the most hurting and vulnerable among us.
Light shines brightest when it is darkest. It’s not always easy, but we are called to trust that God’s Glory shines the brightest in our times of darkness, difficulty, and doubt.
To listen to the Gospel (Matthew 17) and the full sermon, click the link below.