Transfiguration Sunday – March 3, 2019 – Psalm 99: 9
Exalt
the Lord our God and
worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.
The suggested Psalm for Transfiguration Sunday is Psalm 99. The
text is full of awe and wonder for a God intimately among us. The psalm
mentions the pillar of cloud from the Exodus story, connecting us across the
Old and New Testaments to the glory around Jesus in the stories of his baptism
and transfiguration.
Verse 4 mentions Jacob whose name was changed by God to Israel,
meaning "one who struggles (and
prevails) with God." In Lent we address our struggles and look to
Christ who has overcome enabling us by faith to prevail. (1 Corinthians 15:57; Hebrews2:14; Romans8:37;
Revelation21:4)
Verse 6 mentions Moses, Aaron and Samuel, representing leadership
in politics, priesthood and prophecy. All three had experiences of guidance in
wilderness places.
The phrase "Holy is He"
occurs three times, in verses 3, 5 and 9. This expression of praise defines
three distinct sections of the psalm: the first part declaring God's worldwide
kingship, the second about God's justice in Israel, and third, some history to
celebrate.
The
transfiguration was an awe inspired experience. When was a time you felt awe?
What language can be borrowed to describe that experience?
The disciple
of Lent is almost here. On the Mountain of Transfiguration Jesus’ glory was
clearly shown and experienced. Where do we see Christ’s glory today? Can you
find it in acts of worship, in suffering, in His quiet leading?
The Psalmist
reminds us the Lord reigns -
The Lord
reigns in holiness—worship Him in reverence (99:1-3)
The Lord
reigns in justice and righteousness—worship Him with a submissive heart
(99:4-5)
The Lord
reigns in faithfulness, mercy, and righteousness—worship Him with reverent
intimacy (99:6-9)
O God, in the glorious
transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by
the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud
You wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs
with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in
heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[1]
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