February 11, 2024

LINK TO SERMON ON YOUTUBE
(May expire after about 6 months)

TEXT: Mark 9:2-9

TOPIC: The Transfiguration

SERMON SUMMARY:

Missing the Obvious: A Reflection on the Transfiguration

We all have moments when we miss the obvious, even when it's right in front of us. The disciples did this repeatedly with Jesus, such as when he plainly told them multiple times that he would be crucified and rise again, yet they were still shocked when it happened. Why do we so often miss what is clear?

Fr. Rob suggests two main factors. First, we can simply be "boneheaded" as flawed humans, allowing our expectations and biases to blind us to truth. Second, there are spiritual forces at work, with "veils" that can cloud our vision, whether imposed by the enemy or by God himself at times.

However, the Transfiguration account gives us reasons for hope. It reveals Jesus's true divine identity and prefigures his future return in glory to renew all things. Most poignantly, it reminds us that we too will one day be "glorified" and transformed to share in Christ's radiant life. As the apostle Peter witnessed, this was no myth but the unveiling of ultimate reality.

Fr. Rob beckons us: don't be boneheaded about your own salvation! Though veiled now, the Spirit's glory indwells believers, making worldly pursuits pale in comparison. During Lent, allow God to remove the veil and reveal areas for repentance. Meditate on the Transfiguration promise - the "pearl of great price" - that you will one day be transformed and united with Christ in his eternal brilliance. This transcendent hope is worth any cost to pursue wholeheartedly.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION & DISCUSSION:

1. Describe a time when you suddenly saw something that you had missed before.

2. Have you ever had a moment like this with God (Father, Son, Spirit), or with God’s word? If so, what did you see, and what was it like to suddenly see what had been hidden? If not, is there something about God or the Bible that you would like to see? Take a moment to thank God for revealing this to you - or to ask God to reveal it to you.

3. Take a moment to read the following verses:

   1 John 3:2 - “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”

   2 Corinthians 3:18 - “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

   Daniel 12:3 - “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”

   It’s quite an astounding idea to think that one day we will also share in the radiance of Christ that Peter, James, and John saw on the mountain. (Jesus, of course, will always be the only divine Son of God, and any glory we have will come only from him.) What thoughts and feelings does this idea evoke in you? What does it say about God, about you, and about the people around you?

PRAYER: “Father, you are so full of light. You are beautiful and holy and good. Thank you for sharing your glory with us in and through Jesus Christ. Help us to see your glory more fully, and to see the glory in ourselves and those around us. As we behold your glory, help us to shine more brightly with your beauty, goodness, and holiness.”