Transfiguration

Friedheim's 163rd Anniversary

February 25, 1838 - February 25, 2001

Transfiguration Sunday

February 25, 2001 

Luke 9:28-36

"Twin Towers"

Introduction: Today marks the 163rd anniversary of our congregation; Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Friedheim.  According the calendar the charter for this congregation was signed exactly 163 years to the date February 25, 1838. What is somewhat ironic is the fact that in that year, 1838, Ash Wednesday fell on February 28th just as it does this year.  Because of the prohibitions of hosting festive celebrations during the season of Lent our forefathers determined to sign our parish charter on the last Sunday of the season of Epiphany which is today, The Transfiguration of our Lord. Thus, our celebration is twofold; we commemorate the founding of the Friedheim parish as well as closing out the Epiphany season and preparing for a 40 day spiritual adventure called Lent.

Today we make a transition from the season of Epiphany to the season of Lent. In just three days we will assemble in this holy house to begin a 40-day spiritual journey called Lent.

The climax of Epiphany is no doubt the Transfiguration, while the climax of Lent is found at Mt. Calvary. Both involve mountains.  What happened on Mt. Calvary was decided on another mountain, Mt. Hermon. Between the two peaks is the valley of Lent. Jesus comes down the mountain of Mt. Hermon the place of the glorious Transfiguration and begins His journey "up to Jerusalem," to Mt. Calvary. Let's consider these two mountains, these twin towers of Jesus' life and of our lives too.

1.  Consider the Place where these events occurred - mountains: Transfiguration and Calvary - are high points of both glory and shame; triumph and disaster. Both were the lot of Jesus. Both occur in our lives as well.

A.  Consider the Transfiguration - There Jesus went up with His three best friends. He went there to be vindicated. There, on that mountain, before their very eyes, Jesus was   transfigured before them. As His clothing and clothing began to glow before them, as they heard the voice of the Father, as they witnessed Moses and Elijah those disciples came to the conclusion that this Jesus was truly the chosen one of God.

B.  Then there is Calvary -There Jesus went up alone. He was a man familiar and acquainted with grief. Despised and rejected by all sorts of the people. Even His disciples could not see that Jesus was this chosen Son of the Father. They could not accept His message and so He was rejected and forsaken by men.

THE POINT FOR US, living in the year of our Lord 2001 on the anniversary of our congregation is simple yet profound. We worship a living Christ who is the embodiment of the one and eternal God. And yet He is despised and rejected by the vast majority of the world.  We are to uphold the living Christ who, although men rejected him bore our sins in His body that we, being dead to sin might live unto Him in righteousness and purity.  

2.  Consider the Reaction of both events - men did not understand both experiences

A. At the Transfiguration the disciples did not understand what  was taking place.  - "[They were…] Not knowing what he said" v.33 It was only after the death and resurrection that the disciples come to realize that this Transfigured Jesus was the Lord and Savior of the world.

B.   Even at Calvary there was much confusion. Jesus prayed - "Father forgive them for they know not what they do" Luke 23:34 The crowd, the mob, the leaders, the soldiers failed to realize that they were crucifying the Lord of glory.

THE POINT FOR US: We live in a world in which many folk fail to understand what the cross of Christ really means. The cross of Christ is more then just simple jewelry. The cross is more then a good luck charm. It is the place where the Son of Man was suspended between earth and heaven. St. Paul tells us "I determine to know nothing among you except for Jesus Christ and Him crucified" As we celebrate our church anniversary may Jesus Christ be praised; may we lift up the cross of Christ as a banner for all to see. 

3.  Consider the Reason why Jesus went up to the mountain - why go up to the mountains?

A.  At the Transfiguration - Jesus went up on the mountain to get God's approval to die. As Moses and Elijah appeared, they spoke about the cross. They spoke about the fact that Jesus was about to suffer and die and offer Himself for the sins of the world.

B.  At Calvary the prophecy was fulfilled. - Jesus went to the cross to die in obedience to God's good and perfect will. Jesus prayed, "Father, if it is Your will remove this cup from Me.  Never the less, not My will, but your will be done!"  Jesus obediently followed the will of the Father.

THE POINT FOR US: Jesus followed the will of the Father every single moment. Jesus came into this world "to fulfill all righteousness". We point people to Christ, who has fulfilled all of God's requirements.  He has done all things well. To this day we proclaim a Changing Christ to a changing world. This has been our mission for the past 163 years. By God's good and gracious will may we continue to lift high His banner proclaiming and pointing people to Christ; our strength and our redeemer.