Monday after the Transfiguration

Monday after the Transfiguration –March 4, 2019 Psalm 2:6-12

I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you." Psalm 2:7

Psalm 2 makes a striking claim: in the face of terrifying threats, God creates and preserves order through God’s anointed one, a righteous messiah. In Christ you are the Lord’s. To rebel against the Lord’s Anointed is also to revel against the One who anointed him. The psalm refers to the Davidic king, and is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. The English word ‘Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word for “anointed one” and the English word, “Christ” from the Greek word for “anointed one.” On the mountain of Transfiguration Moses and Elijah will speak to the Lord’s anointed one and His glory at the cross and empty tomb.

Psalm 2 provides critical background for understanding both what it means and what it meant to recognize Jesus as messiah (i.e., the Christ) and Lord. In Matthew 17:1-9, the disciples catch a glimpse of the glory and power of the Jesus. Jesus’ special status as king and divine son are suddenly revealed. 

In our own time, the message resonates as well. We feel the psalm’s fundamental tension as to whether the world is actually under God’s ultimate control (verses 1-3) or whether God’s order has yet to be realized fully (verses 10-11). Yet we also hear God’s clear response to the chaos and strife that fill the earth. God’s word to the world comes through one man, the anointed king, God’s son: “Blessed are all of those who take refuge in him.” (verse 11). 

Points to ponder…

What significance does it make that God is in control even if you cannot sense His presence?

Jesus’ glory was revealed before the disciples on the Mountain of Transfiguration. Where is His glory shown today?

When will God’s ultimate glory be revealed? How will it look? Will all experience it?  

Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [1]

[1]Collect for the Second Sunday after Epiphany, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis