Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Mark 9:5)
The Sundays after Epiphany began with Jesus’ baptism and end with three disciples’ vision of his transfiguration. In Mark’s story of Jesus’ baptism, apparently only Jesus sees the Spirit descending and hears the words from heaven. But now Jesus’ three closest friends hear the same words naming him God’s beloved son. As believers, Paul writes, we are enabled to see the God-light in Jesus’ face, because the same God who created light in the first place has shone in our hearts to give us that vision. The light of God’s glory in Jesus has enlightened us through baptism and shines in us also for others to see.
Sunday’s Worship Music
The traditional services feature the hymn O Wondrous Image, Vision fair (ELW 316). Today’s readings offer a glimpse of the true form of Jesus and his power. Like Peter before us, we pray that Jesus would always stay with us in such glory, but mountaintop experiences always end. How does God go with us from the mountaintop? What “spiritual plain” are we fast approaching?
The New Day Praise service features the worship song is Shine, Jesus, Shine. Always a favorite for worshipers, this upbeat “classic” praise song places us right on the mountaintop with Jesus as he is transfigured before his closest disciples. We are also reminded that reveling in the light of Christ is never enough — we are also called to bring that light into the world.
Preaching Theme
This Little Light of Mine.
For Your Home Devotions:
What are some of your “mountaintop” and “valley” moments in life, and how does your faith help you live in them and through them?
Is the “transfigured” Jesus an image that you can relate to and find strength from?
Think for a moment about the variety of ways that “light” is an important part of your life … and your faith life.
