Saturday prior to Transfiguration

Matthew 17:4 – “It’s great to be here!”  That’s how Peter put it. Maybe it wasn’t the most eloquent way of expressing himself, but again, Matthew reminds us that Peter “Didn’t know what to say.” As we consider both the wonder of Christ’s glorious Transfiguration and the many blessings we have been permitted to experience.  It is good; it is great to be here!  May the Lord continue to shower down His blessings upon us  as we take a pilgrimage into Lent to the cross on Good Friday and empty tomb on Easter. Yes, ‘tis good, Lord, to be here!

1 ‘tis good, Lord, to be here!

Your glory fills the night;

Your face and garments, like the sun,

Shine with unborrowed light.

2 ‘tis good, Lord, to be here,

Your beauty to behold

Where Moses and Elijah stand,

Your messengers of old.

3 Fulfiller of the past

And hope of things to be,

We hail your body glorified

And our redemption see.

4 Before we taste of death,

We see your kingdom come;

We long to hold the vision bright

And make this hill our home.

5 ‘tis good, Lord, to be here!

Yet we may not remain;

But since you bid us leave the mount,

Come with us to the plain.

Icon of the Transfiguration copyright Google Images

Tis Good Lord to be here, Lutheran Service Book copyright 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Friday prior to Transfiguration

Psalm 77 – David reminds us that he cries out to God. David cries out loud and God promised that He would hear. What a wonderful promise. What a wonderful picture of prayer. Why do we pray? We pray because of our need and the Father’s promise to answer our cry. Need we any other reason to pray?  .. 

God has been good to us. No, we are not perfect and, yes, there have been times in which we have had to cry out to God. But every time we needed Him, He has always been there for us. One hundred eighty-four years is a long time. It’s nothing to God. He has not changed and will not change. Cry to Him. He is near to hear your prayer and to answer you according to His good and gracious will.

We praise You heavenly Father for the great privilege which is ours this day to humbly come before You, and lovingly praise and thank You as we reflect on the history of our parish which was established  by your grace.

We pray that You will deepen within each of us a sense of gratitude for the many sacrifices made for us by those who have gone before us, and thereby find this parish a house of peace, a safe haven and a harbor of hope. May we continue to see, by faith, the needs of those around us and the needs of those who shall come after us, and do all that is possible to show to them our witness in word and deed of the riches of life with Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Image of the Transfiguration copyright Google images

 

Transfiguration reflection

 

Transfiguration reflection

This coming Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday. On that day three of Jesus’ disciples -Peter, James, and John – were privileged to go up on a mountain. There Jesus was shown in all His glory. His appearance changed as Moses and Elijah appear before them discussing Jesus’ trip to the cross.

For us - we see the glory of God in Jesus every time we hear His Word and gather to worship and pray. May the peace of God be ours As the Savior directs us.

LORD, Thank you for the truth of your Word. Help us to trust in that Word. And to keep our faith in you. Even when we can’t feel or see you. Thank you for taking care of us. Thank you for Jesus. In His name, Amen!

Hymn: Pg. #61 “My Hope is Built on Nothing less”

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone.

And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Luke 9:28-36

28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, [a] which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”

—not knowing what he said. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One;[b] listen to him!”

36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

Hymn: pg.62 “Now thank we all our God”

Wise King Solomon tells us that as we age the first notable change, we can expect is our vision. After 40 reading glasses become necessary. Nearly all of us at one time or another have had to have our vision tested.

We need to wear eyeglasses to see things how they really are – My eyes aren’t perfect.  But these eyeglasses change the way I can see things so I can know what is real.

In our Bible reading today we heard about the Transfiguration of Jesus. “Transfiguration” is a big word that means “change.” – Jesus changed the way the disciples could see him so they would know what was real.

One time, Jesus went up a tall mountain with some of his disciples to pray.

It was late at night. So everyone was getting very sleepy. Peter, James and John went up to the high mountain with Jesus to pray. But after a bit they became tired and began to sleep.  

But then something happened that made them wide awake. Something very surprising happened. They saw a change come over Jesus. As his clothes became shiny white. It was different than anything they had ever seen!

But then something else happened.

They saw two men from the Bible. Moses & Elijah. Who had gone to heaven a very long time before. They showed up and started talking to Jesus about what the special work Jesus was going to do when he got to Jerusalem. There Jesus would suffer and die on a cross. And on the third day rise again to give us forgiveness and life.

But why Moses? And why Elijah?  These two were the great prophets of the Old Testament. They both pointed the way to Jesus. They both predicted that at the right time a Savior would come. And so it is. At the right time Jesus our Savior came for us.

Why Moses? And Why Elijah? Both men lead the nation of Israel… Moses lead the people our of Egypt, through the Red Sea, through the desert, into the Promised Land.  Elijah led Israel – even though he felt all alone.

For us – the Lord continues to lead and guide us. When the Lord’s guidance can be perfectly seen and especially when we can’t. The Savior has promised us “I am with you always!” His direction is constant. It wil not change. He is always there – for you!

Like reading glasses that give us 20/20 vision. The LORD continues to care for us in good times and in challenging times. To bring us Home.

Just then a cloud came down and covered everyone and the disciples became afraid.

They were terrified! That’s exactly how the disciples felt. Something amazing was happening and they were very confused until they heard a voice from the cloud say, “THIS IS MY SON, LISTEN TO HIM.”

And whose voice that was? 

It was the voice of God, our Heavenly Father.  Making sure they understood that Jesus was his son.

These three. Peter. James. and John. May have been hoping for some proof to be sure they were following the right person.  Placing their trust in something genuine.

On that mountain, though, the disciples got some amazing proof. Right before their eyes.

Jesus changed. His clothes became super white, and Elijah and Moses showed up.

As a cloud came over them, and a voice announced: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” That had to be pretty clear and obvious.

If Peter, James, and John didn’t know for sure before, they certainly did then. They heard God announce that Jesus was His son, and command that they listen to Him!

Then the cloud disappeared and only Jesus was there. After that, they always looked at Jesus a little different because they saw how things really were.

This story is like our eyeglasses. They help me see what’s real. The Transfiguration of Jesus showed the disciples what was real about Jesus. It shows us what is real about Jesus. [1]

Jesus is God’s one and only Son. He looked like a normal person. But he was really someone very special.

The Lord wants us to listen very carefully to all the words of Jesus in the Bible. And when we do. We follow Him every day of our life until it is time to be welcomed into His glorious presence in heaven.

Jesus is the true son of God. He lived and died for us. Although we may not see Him with our eyes or hear His voice, we can trust in the work that Christ did, and know that He is our savior and redeemer. Believing in the Bible reminds us of His power and authenticity.

We give thanks for His life.

And we can ask God to help us continue in our faith and understanding. Why don’t we do that now?

Prayer:

LORD, Thank you for the truth of your Word. Help us to trust in that Word. And to keep our faith in you. Even when we can’t feel or see you. Thank you for Your love and care. Give us the eyes of faith to see you each day in our daily lives. Thank you for your guidance every single day.

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.

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[1] Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36) Children’s Sermon - Ministry To Children

Image of the Transfiguration copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Thursday prior to Transfiguration

[1]

Luke 9:28-36 – The Disciples see the glory of Christ

The Transfiguration story is evident of God’s own confirmation that Jesus is the Messiah. On the mountain top, Jesus with His three chief disciples encounters Moses and Elijah, who represent he strong prophetic leadership of Israel, and them in a surprising climax, a voice from heaven indicates that Jesus is, indeed, God’s Soon, God’s Chosen, and is now to whom they are told to listen and obey.

In a well known hymn we address Christ thus; “Oh, Thou who changest not…” That statement is Biblical. Hebrews 13:8 tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.” And yet our text tells us that while Jesus was praying on this occasion “the form of His face became different and His clothing was gleaming white.” (v. 29)  This paradox is cause by the nature of Jesus’ person. He has two natures, indivisibly united (not mingled) ever since His conception. They will continue as such into eternity and in heaven we shall see Him as He is. (1 John 3:2)

The Disciples see the glory of God -The disciples early on might have had some misgiving of just who or what to make of this Jesus. After the Transfiguration, there wasn’t any doubt in their minds. They knew that He was the promised Savior of the world.  There on the mountain Jesus manifested all of His glory as the Father spoke His approval of His only begotten Son. But why Moses and Elijah? Both came from a storied history of God’s people of old. In Moses’ time, the people followed willingly as they escaped Egypt. At the time of Elijah, only 7,000 were left who had not bowed down to Baal.  These two men represent high and low points of God’s people of Israel. There have been highs and lows in our parish history; yet One remains constant to this day. His Name is Jesus. May Christ Jesus remain the center of all that we do.

O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening; Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever.[2] -

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[1] The Transfiguration of Christ   copyright © Google images

[2] Collect for Transfiguration, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Wednesday prior to Transfiguration

[1]

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 – Christians see the glory of God in Jesus

Christians see the glory of God in Jesus - Who is this Jesus? That is the question the world has been asking for close to 2,000 years.  Paul reminds us that by faith we are able to see the glory of God in Jesus Christ. He is more than just a mere man. He is more than just a prophet. He is, as Thomas will confess in the Easter season, “My Lord and My God.”  The world wants Jesus to be anything but God.  A true confession calls for us to say that above anything else He is the Lord of life.

Paul, in discussing the problem of darkness verses light, notes that there will be those to whom the goodness of Jesus Christ is veiled. They will not be able to se, to accept the message of salvation. This is an appropriate selection for the Transfiguration for the event itself suggests an unveiling of Jesus’ ministry in the light of and history of the people of Israel.

Moses, who appeared with Christ and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration, is shown on another mountain in the Old Testament lesson for this week (Deuteronomy 34:1-12), the mountain from which he saw the promised land just before his death. Paul discusses this same Moses in 3:7-16, a section introducing an elaborate parallel between the light on his face and the consequent veil and the light “in the face of Christ” mentioned in 4:6, as well as the veil image of verses 3-4.

Prayer in times of temptation: Almighty and everlasting God, through Your Son You have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by Your Holy Spirit that in our daily need, and especially in all time of temptation, we may seek Your help and, by a true and lively faith in Your Word, obtain all that You have promised; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [2]

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[1] The Transfiguration of our Lord, woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, a nineteenth-century German artist known especially for his book ‘The Book of Books in Pictures’ ©WELS for personal and congregational use.

[2] A Prayer in times of temptation, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Tuesday prior to Transfiguration

[1]

Deuteronomy 34:1-12 - Moses sees God face to face and the promised land- Just before his death; Moses climbs Mount Nebo and from there is shown the Promised Land. He would not be permitted to cross over, but he was able to see it. Moses had faithfully led the people of Israel, and at last his work was done. He had done all he could, his time had come, and it was time for him to cross over to an even greater land than that which his eye beheld.  The Scriptures remind us that Moses’ eye was not dim – he had perfect vision. What secret did Moses possess? Verse 10 gives us a clue. Moses was a man “whom the Lord knew face to face.”  Moses was able to make keen decisions because he kept his eye on God. May that be our legacy, to keep our focus on God.  May that be our vision for our parish, to keep our focus on Christ.

The death and burial of Moses Vv. 1-8 suggests both triumph and defeat. The triumph appears in the first resolve with which Moses goes up the slopes of Mt. Nebo, where he knew that death awaited him., A panoramic views of the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 33:1; Deuteronomy 1:8) is possible from this pinnacle. The defeat of the occasion lay in the fact that Moses died without actually entering the land of promise. Moses died at the sentence of God and as a punishment for his sin. (Deuteronomy 43:1)

Verses 9-12 describe the transition in leadership to Joshua and summarize the ministry of Moses. God knew and spoke with Moses face to face. It was to him that God revealed His very name. (“I am who I am”- Exodus 3:14) Moses was partner to great, miraculous signs which God promised and performed in order to liberate Israel from bondage. In a very real way, Moses had the offices of prophet, priest, and king.

This account, in the last chapter of Deuteronomy, is the story of the death of Moses, of whom the writer claims; “…there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” On this celebration of the Transfiguration, Moses in one of the persons who appears with Jesus before his select disciples and so we see and hear in these verses of the great importance of Moses to the tradition and beliefs of the Hebrews.

Prayer for aid against temptation: O God, You justify the ungodly and desire not the death of the sinner. Graciously assist us by Your heavenly aid and evermore shield us with Your protection, that no temptation may separate us from Your love in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.  [2]

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[1] The Transfiguration of our Lord, woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, a nineteenth-century German artist known especially for his book ‘The Book of Books in Pictures’ ©WELS for personal and congregational use.

[2] Collect for aid against temptation, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

 

St. Matthias, Apostle (February 24)

 

Isaiah 66:1–2

Acts 1:15–26

Matthew 11:25–30

St. Matthias, Apostle

We know almost nothing about St. Matthias compared to Judas. While we know the grisly details of Judas’ death (Acts 1:18–19), we are unsure of Matthias’. After his election, the Bible never mentions him again. He seems to be a forgotten apostle. But what is fame to God? He looks to “he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Is. 66:2). Judas trembled, but his contrition was without faith in God’s mercy in Christ. He tried to bear his own sin in the form of a noose. Jesus does not say, “see to it yourself,” (Matt. 27:4) but “come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you...and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28–29). Matthias was a witness of Christ’s ministry from John’s baptism to the resurrection (Acts 1:21–22), chosen to proclaim “the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 10:7) from repentance to redemption and new life. He and countless other forgotten ministers continually announce the truth that no sinner must bear his own yoke, for Christ bears it all and has put sin to death forever in His cross.

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Monday prior to Transfiguration

[1]

Acts 2:42 - We celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord on the last Sunday in the season of Epiphany. For our verse for today, I have used to describe what we are trying to accomplish here at Zion. Luke gives us a description of the 1^st Century church and this is what is needed as we have entered the 21^st Century. We are to be one in doctrine, fellowship, sacramental living, and in prayer. These are the four legs upon which the table is set. All that we do at Friedheim needs to relate to this verse. God has blessed us greatly these past 183 years. Friday of this week we celebrate the 184^th anniversary of the signing of our charter.  May He continue to bless us mightily in the years to come.

“Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant,” but Christ Jesus “has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses” (Hebrews 3:3, 5). A beloved and well-pleasing Son, faithful even to the point of death, Jesus’ own body was raised up on the third day as the house of God, and He has brought us into that house through the waters of Holy Baptism (Hebrews 3:6).

Thus, it was not Moses the lawgiver, but his successor, Joshua (the Hebrew name for Jesus), who led the people into the promised land (Deuteronomy 34:1–4, 9). Now, on the Mount of Transfiguration, the New Testament Joshua appears in the glory that He is about to manifest by His “departure” (exodus) in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31).

Having entered the waters of the Jordan in His Baptism, He passed through those waters and entered into glory by His Cross and Passion.

What He thereby accomplished in His own flesh and blood, crucified and risen, He reveals and gives to His Body, the Church, by the means of His Word. Therefore, the Father declares from heaven, “Listen to Him!” (Luke 9:35).

Collect for Transfiguration: 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 fullness of our inheritance in heaven [2].-

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[1] The Transfiguration of our Lord, woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, a nineteenth-century German artist known especially for his book ‘The Book of Books in Pictures’ ©WELS for personal and congregational use.

[2] Collect for Transfiguration, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD - Series C notes

Deuteronomy 34:1–12

Hebrews 3:1–6

Luke 9:28–36 

The Glory of God Is Manifested in the Body of Christ

Alleluia, song of gladness, Voice of joy that cannot die

Alleluia, is the anthem Ever raise by choirs on high;

In the house of God abiding That they sing eternally.

Alleluia, thou resound-est, True Jerusalem and free;

Alleluia, joyful mother, All thy children sing with thee,

But by Babylon’s sad waters, Mourning exiles now are we.

Alleluia, cannot always, Be our song while here below;

Alleluia, our transgressions, Make us for a while forgo;

For the solemn time is coming, When our tears for sin must flow.

Therefore in our hymns we pray Thee, Grant us, blessed Trinity,

At the last to keep Thine Easter, With Thy faithful saints on high;

There to Thee forever singing, Alleluia joyfully.

-Alleluia, Son of Gladness Lutheran Service Book #417

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 fullness of our inheritance in heaven.

“Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant,” but Christ Jesus “has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses” (Hebrews 3:3, 5). A beloved and well-pleasing Son, faithful even to the point of death, Jesus’ own body was raised up on the third day as the house of God, and He has brought us into that house through the waters of Holy Baptism (Hebrews 3:6). 

Thus, it was not Moses the lawgiver, but his successor, Joshua (the Hebrew name for Jesus), who led the people into the promised land (Deuteronomy 34:1–4, 9). Now, on the Mount of Transfiguration, the New Testament Joshua appears in the glory that He is about to manifest by His “departure” (exodus) in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). 

Having entered the waters of the Jordan in His Baptism, He passed through those waters and entered into glory by His Cross and Passion. 

What He thereby accomplished in His own flesh and blood, crucified and risen, He reveals and gives to His Body, the Church, by the means of His Word. Therefore, the Father declares from heaven, “Listen to Him!” (Luke 9:35).

Luke 9:28

Ἐγένετο δὲ μετὰ τοὺς λόγους τούτους ὡσεὶ ἡμέραι ὀκτὼ [a]καὶ παραλαβὼν Πέτρον καὶ Ἰωάννην καὶ Ἰάκωβον ἀνέβη εἰς τὸ ὄρος προσεύξασθαι.

it happened, about eight days (MK. and  Matt. say six days) is this a theological statement. Going to the new mountain. The glory of the Lord is revealed in Jesus. This is how the glory of the Lord will dwell with man. 

The cross is given and suffered - like vocation. James is mentioned last...he will be the first to die...significant?

Luke 9:29

καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ προσεύχεσθαι αὐτὸν τὸ εἶδος τοῦ προσώπου αὐτοῦ ἕτερον καὶ ὁ ἱματισμὸς αὐτοῦ λευκὸς ἐξαστράπτων. 

his face was "othered" his raiment was gleaming - (Jn.19:23 tunic was one fabric they separated the clothes and cast lots for the tunic)  this is a prophecy and a glimpse of his exultation.

Luke 9:30 

καὶ ἰδοὺ ἄνδρες δύο συνελάλουν αὐτῷ, οἵτινες ἦσαν Μωϋσῆς καὶ Ἠλίας,

right then and there two were preaching with him, Moses and Elijah. Where is Jesus now? In the words of Moses and Elijah.  

Luke 9:31

οἳ ὀφθέντες ἐν δόξῃ ἔλεγον τὴν ἔξοδον αὐτοῦ ἣν ἤμελλεν πληροῦν ἐν Ἰερουσαλήμ.  

they appeared in glory continually speaking of his exodus, which he was to complete in Jerusalem.  

What is the glory of Jesus? It is his cross, suffering, the Christ who has come to die, the lamb who was slain.  The exodus of Jesus becomes our exodus. See 2 Timothy 4:6

"If you are" asked at the garden, temptation in the wilderness, at the cross. "You are" spoken at Jesus' baptism and here at the transfiguration. 

Luke 9:32

ὁ δὲ Πέτρος καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ ἦσαν βεβαρημένοι ὕπνῳ· διαγρηγορήσαντες δὲ εἶδον τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ καὶ τοὺς δύο ἄνδρας τοὺς συνεστῶτας αὐτῷ. 

Peter and those with him were taken over by sleep. Then they were wakened. They saw his glory and the two speaking with him. 

Luke 9:33

καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ διαχωρίζεσθαι αὐτοὺς ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ εἶπεν [b]ὁ Πέτρος πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν· Ἐπιστάτα, καλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς ὧδε εἶναι, καὶ ποιήσωμεν σκηνὰς τρεῖς, μίαν σοὶ καὶ μίαν Μωϋσεῖ καὶ μίαν Ἠλίᾳ, μὴ εἰδὼς ὃ λέγει.

when they were separating (only here in Luke)  Peter said, "Master it is good to be here.. "  He didn't know what to say.  

The hardest thing is the cross, to receive it.  The old man wants a fix of measurable success not forgiveness.  Have faith in your faith.

Luke 9:34

ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ λέγοντος ἐγένετο νεφέλη καὶ [c]ἐπεσκίαζεν αὐτούς· ἐφοβήθησαν δὲ ἐν τῷ [d]εἰσελθεῖν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν νεφέλην.

As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 

Luke 9:35

καὶ φωνὴ ἐγένετο ἐκ τῆς νεφέλης λέγουσα· Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱός μου ὁ [e]ἐκλελεγμένος, αὐτοῦ ἀκούετε.

And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; (my beloved) listen to him!”

Luke 9:36 

καὶ ἐν τῷ γενέσθαι τὴν φωνὴν [f]εὑρέθη Ἰησοῦς μόνος. καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐσίγησαν καὶ οὐδενὶ ἀπήγγειλαν ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις οὐδὲν ὧν ἑώρακαν.

And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

Sources:

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Transfiguration of our Lord’ © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

LCMS Lectionary notes © 2015

Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Saturday prior to Epiphany 7

[1]

Psalm 103 - This week’s hymn of the week, LSB 820 “My soul, now praise your Maker” John Poliander (pen name of John Graumann, 1487–1541) was at one time the secretary of Luther’s great opponent, Dr. Eck. But after the Leipzig Disputation in 1519, he was convinced by the Gospel and joined the Reformation. He spent his life furthering the Reformation and combating errorists such as the Anabaptists, especially in Prussia. He wrote this hymn in 1525 at the request of Margrave Albrecht, who loved Psalm 103, of which this hymn is a summary.

It is a song of praise that matches the closing of the Gospel, “He has done all things well.” Jesus is our maker as much as is the Father and the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus opened the deaf-mute’s lips, and those lips spoke plainly, so we open our lips to praise and bless God for all the benefits we have received from him. It is always through Jesus that we receive not only health for our bodies, but for our souls as well. It is in the person and work of Christ alone that we truly come to worship our maker in spirit and in truth.

Collect for Psalm 103: Lord, you have compassion for the sinner, as a father has compassion for his children. Heal the weakness of your people and save us from everlasting death, that with the saints and angels we may praise and glorify you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. [2] Amen

A prayer for newness of life in Christ – Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of life, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal.  [3]

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[1] Luther’s Seal, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Psalm 103, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

[3] Collect for newness of life in Christ, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Friday prior to Epiphany 7

[1]

Luke 6:27-38 – Love your enemies

For the most part Christians are ordinary people. As Paul has said, not many of us are wise or wealthy. We are plain, simple people with faith and love for God in Christ. But, Christ calls us ordinary people to do extraordinary things. He expects more of us than non-believers. What are we doing more than others? The extraordinary things Christians do is love those who do not love them (v.32), they help those who will not help them, (v.33) they lend to those who do not repay. (v.34)

After Jesus had called the Twelve He began to teach them and the crowds about the Kingdom of God. The portion of the Gospel lesson for this week is from what some have called Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain.” 

The larger context in Luke is Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, which begins in 4:14 and ends in 9:9. This lesson, more than any other, separates Jesus and His teachings from the world. In the “Beatitudes” just prior to this lesson, Jesus sets the tone of reversal of order He brings: The poor, the hunger, the weeping, the persecuted, are all blessed. Woe is pronounced upon the right, the full, the happy and the popular.  

Vv.27-28          “Keep on loving.” The love of God (agape love) is a selfless love, as God loves you. “Love your enemies” is unique to Christ and beyond sinful man’s ability to do so.

V.29                 “Turn the other cheek.” The disciple is not to flow the law of retaliation, but in love patiently endure evil. This extends even to our possessions.

V.30     Agape love always gives without strings attached. What a blow to the individual rights movement today!

Vv.32-34          Most people have an ethic based on common sense with a “give and take” attitude. Jesus’ followers must take the next step and base their ethic on this love which comes from God. This is a curb to our present day selfish morality.

V. 35    Agape love has no earthly reward. The reward comes from God and is promised to be great. “Sons of the Most High” chose as God’s children, we receive eternal life with God as our only “reward.” It is only because God is kind and merciful that we have such high hopes.

V.37     On the basis of God’s mercy Jesus forbids unjust and hypocritical judging and condemning of others.

V.38     He, who gives and forgives sparingly, receives sparingly. God’s gift of mercy comes most freely to those who freely pass it on to others.

Collect for humility – O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.[2] -

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[1] Luther’s Seal, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Humility, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Thursday prior to Epiphany 7

[1]

1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 30--42 – Flesh and Blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God

God will provide a new body for life in heaven. Even Christians can become confused on the matter of the body after death. Is the body to be preserved at the high cost of burial? Will the body be resurrected on the last Great day? If there is no body, can we exist as spirits? If there is a body what is it like? These questions troubled the Corinthian church: ‘How are the dead raised? With what body do they come? In this lesson Paul helps us understand the resurrected body.

A New Body for an Old Soul

Even Christians sometimes become confused on the matter of the body after death. Should the body simply be discarded? Is the body to be preserved at the high cost of burial? Will the body be resurrected on the last great day? If there is no body, can we exist as spirits? If there is a body, what will it be like? These question troubled the Corinthian church as Paul asks them and us today; “How are the dead raised? With what body do they come? In this lesson Paul helps us understand the resurrected body.

1.      We will have a body after death – V. 38

A.      A body for identification – related to the physical body. We will recognize each other.  –V.37

B.      A body for communication purposes. We will talk to each other.

2.      The kind of body God will give us – Vv. 42-44

A.      A spiritual body God will be us – Vv. 42-44

B.      A body that will not grow old – V. 42

C.      A glorious body – V. 43a

D.     A strong body – V. 43b [2]

 

Collect for the Morning – Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit. Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your blessing remain with us throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness, and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. [3] -

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[1] Luther’s Seal, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C, John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima OH

[3] Collect for the Morning, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis