Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Catching just a glimpse

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Matthew 7:7, 11
A cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice: "This is my chosen Son; listen to him." After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone, and they all fell silent.

This is the second feast day during the fast of Lent. How shall we celebrate? Well, for one thing, we get an especially significant text in the lectionary. This one is the story of what we've called Jesus' transfiguration.

Today's text is Luke 9:28-36, but the transfiguration is described in three of the four gospels: Matthew, Mark and Luke. (John's "transfiguring" event is Jesus' baptism.) The story is mostly a story of light. But where there's light, there's dark too. Where the sun shines, there is shadow. And in this story Jesus and his friends are enveloped in a cloud.

Once, climbing the tallest mountain in New Mexico (which does not require technical climbing skills or fancy gear), my friend and I were caught up in a cloud so quick we forgot where we were. Night fell fast, and eight hours early. There were a few flashes of lightning and some thunder. We had ascended into heaven. We forgot ourselves for a moment, our hearts stopped, and then we hightailed it down the mountain.

This story is different, because instead of lightning and thunder there was a voice. God spoke, just as he did in John's story of Jesus' baptism. "This is my Son. Listen to him." It's also different because in this story Jesus "face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white." Wow.

And then dead people walked into the light. Not dead, but sleeping. Not even sleeping. Moses and Elijah "appeared in glory" and talked to Jesus about what "he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem."

I don't think we can figure out the transfiguration. But we can watch it, like Peter, John and James watched it. We can look for ways to honor our ancestors (Moses and Elijah) and we can certainly hear God's words and do them: "This is my Son. Listen to him!"

For just a moment, in the cloud, these folks were not blinded by God's presence and could just be there with him. That's something to watch for, wait for, live for. It was a moment they would never forget. Precious moment with God ... the best word for this might just be "transfiguration" for them as well as Jesus. In a way made specially for each of us, God touches us too.

However it happens, and no matter when, it is that moment we will never forget.

We all put our ashes on, Lord, but on this day of feasting you wipe those blots away and invite us to your table. Remember us, O Lord, on your Son's Transfiguration Day. Remember us and come to us too, and give us moments of your presence we will never forget. Change our hearts, O Lord. Make us ever new.

Devotions Archive

Catching just a glimpse

Sunday, February 21, 2016