Glimpses of Glory

Across Europe churches are built on mountains in a desire to feel closer to God who can seem hidden in the clouds.

On Transfiguration Sunday, we celebrate the revelation of Jesus’ glory on the maintain. It’s often difficult to fully see God’s presence in our valleys of daily life. Three of Jesus’ disciples received a one-time glimpse of Jesus’ glory on top of a mountain.

However, it was only a preview, not the final destination. Because the disciples needed an affirmation of who Jesus is, and encouragement for the difficult road ahead. Just as you and me need faith in God’s presence and power when the going gets tough down here on earth.

Word

The apostle Paul, writing about the hope of our faith that shapes our lives, encouraged the Corinthian Christians that: “all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another ...” (2 Corinthians 3;18)

In other words, we see God’s glory fully revealed in Jesus, and as we follow him in faith and action we become also more and more like him.

Connection

How can we experience and reflect God’s love more, in both mystery and reality? Through Lenten practices of faith we a) draw closer to God, and b) become more like Jesus.

a) In worship we draw close to God’s glory like on the mountain. Worship strengthens us with glimpses of glory through word, sacraments, music, and other people we get to sense, hear, see, and touch God.

b) Off the mountain we become more like Jesus through charity. Disciplines like charity are expressions of reflecting God’s love we glimpse on the mountain in worship, down in the valley where others see us and our actions.

You need glimpses of Jesus’ glory in worship. Just as others need you to give them hope through glimpses of God’s love through charity.

Message

The Good News is: The Holy Spirit offers us experiences in our worship that provide glimpses of God’s powerful presence, so that we become witnesses who reflect the light of Jesus’ love to others surrounded by darkness of tragedy, illness, or grief

Jesus says to you: I am always here with you, even when you cannot see me, or when you struggle to trust in my help. Those mountain top experiences are only a glimpse of my glory, but it can shine through spiritual experiences in worship, and your acts of love in daily life.

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Invitation

The Weekly Word will be brief, so it can be read or viewed easily, yet without compromising on faithful and meaningful content. It will consist of four parts which will draw your interest, help connect with the topic, learn about biblical stories or ideas, and share a transformative and encouraging message for your life. There will usually be a topic introduction, some real-life connection, biblical reflections, and the good news God’s message from Jesus. Get God’s message for your life. Sunday worship offers a unique way to celebrate God’s love and experience the love of faith community. Throughout your week, read my Weekly Word blog or watch the Weekly Word video online. May the Spirit deepen your understanding of God’s message of love, keep you encouraged to follow and serve Jesus, and invite you to practice trust in God’s promises and join a local faith community. Your Weekly Word author Pastor Stefan Munker

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