The Transfiguation

I have been thinking a lot lately about the transfiguration.  This scene may be found in the Gospel of St. Matthew chapter 17. From the New International Version:

"

17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ² There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. ³ Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

⁴ Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
⁶ When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” ⁸ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus."

It has long been kibitzed by theologians "why Moses and Elijah?" It is interesting to note that Peter immediately knew who they were, how? It is my idea that the oral traditions and stories passed down from generation to generation gave some detail. Peter wants to build some shelters to commemorate this momentous occasion, his friend shinning and glorified and talking with 2 of the all time greats.
What were they speaking about?This side of glory, I have no speculation, but I do have a feeling of what they represent-the form and structure of the church that will shortly be created.

Moses clearly is identified with the law. The Torah, the written, timeless, and unchanging word of God. The illumination of the holy character of God. The law that Jesus came to full fill-not set aside.
This word comes to us today as the Holy Scriptures.  This is what Moses brought down from Sinai to the chosen people of God. 

Elijah-represents the prophets-the stories, traditions, and  forms that have evolved down through the ages. They evolve because the Holy Spirit of God lives in every believer-The Theology and Philosophy of Augustine and Anselm, the piety of St Francis, the missionary zeal of Graham and Livingstone, the care of Mother Teresa, and the Holy Spirit keeps creating new stories in the hearts and minds of every believer.

All this comes down to one person Jesus. He is the focal point-the voice from heaven said "listen to him." The Author and Perfecter of our faith. The faith in Christ Jesus alone. When the disciples looked around-they saw no one but Jesus. There was no need for any other. The Law and Prophets all come  down to Him. Jesus being a reformer used the Old Testament model and adapts it to his new covenant church. 


Big D

OK Lord, You called this meeeting, what do you want

Today as I was sitting here preparing for my day, the electric heater went out, the lights went out, and the heat kicked off. I had a number of things I had wanted to do today, but somehow they were stifled. Most of all I wanted a substitute teaching job, but there were none to be found today, I wanted to go and visit Grandma but she has a very busy schedule today, I thought about visiting my friend Deano who is almost always free for lunch, but today he had an important meeting that I did not want to interfere.  So too, I realized that with the electric out, I had no computer, and had better save my cell phone.Wow, no TV, no ESPN, NFL Network, no World of Warcaft, email....isolated, and could not get in my car because the garage door is electric-stuck!

I kicked back in my desk chair and said, "Well , Lord you called this meeting, and you definitely want me at home today,what do you want me do?

About 15 minutes later, a man from my local power company knocked at my door and wondered if my power was back on, I assured him that it was not, after making double sure there was no large dog in house he came in, and we headed down stairs to the main breaker box. and he fixed my power outage.

He is younger and in better shape and he watched all 350 lbs of me labor up the stairs apologizing for holding him up every step of the way. I mentioned that among my various ailments, I had bypass surgery-5 bypasses no waiting. He said he observed that I was probably a religious man, and I stated well I hope I am a Christian man (remembering the title of this blog), he told me that he thought God was leading him to live a more healthy life style, and that he was concerned about his health since heart disease runs in his family (like mine- both sides). I shared with him my experience, and and how even with bypass surgery, God turned into some very good things, but it came at a cost-pain, the pain and concern of loved ones (from spouses and children, siblings, and friends), you don't go through this deal alone.

He said he felt that God set me in his way today to talk to him, specifically for him, and I agree. It turned out that he was a deacon in his church and didn't know why but he grabbed his oil of anointing the sick today. He anointed me and prayed over me (a very protestant thing to do, I in turn blessed him (a very Catholic thing today) it was all prayer ( a very Christ like thing to do).

In the beginning of the day, I felt like Elijah, Lord I am stranded here without the tools I use everyday, what would you have me do today. I don't know what , but I am still your obedient servant even stuck here. My limitation was not to big for the God who spoke the worlds into being, sitting here at my desk, I am still ready to serve and he is ready to use me. A very comforting thought!

I thought it was all bout me, turns out it was about my new friend who went forth from my house with a blessing and some very good heart healthy advice-something he needed, and I proved to myself once again as mediocre as I am , I am still his servant.

I only have a couple of prayers I say every day, sometimes it seems all I have time for, "Lord let me seek your holiness, and let me be your faithful servant. " for without holiness no one see's God, and with out faith it is impossible to please God." Pretty stern stuff that!But if I can get myself to do it-well, then, maybe I am on the way to being a little better than mediocre