The Messenger - March 18, 2008

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    Pastor Neal's Notes

          Transfiguration

Have you ever known someone for many months or years, developing your opinions of competence or character, then seen that person in a whole new light? It might have happened with a co-worker whom you saw outside of work, or a neighbor whom you saw far from home. It might have even happened with someone in your family who suddenly received a great measure of responsibility or respect.

According to the gospels, Peter, James, and John had this sort of experience with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13). They had already seen him work miracles. They had already heard his teaching. They had already heard him warn them of his early death. But, somehow, they had not seen him in the light of history. They had not thought about his witness amidst the Jewish law and prophets they had studied since their youth.

Thus, it was a special blessing for Moses and Elijah to appear with Christ and converse with him on that holy hill. This appearance wouldn't take away Christ's suffering. Nor would it take away his loss. But I think it did help to take away his disciples doubt that God had a purpose in it all. Just as Moses saw great failures in the people whom he led, so Christ would see great failures in his followers. Just as Elijah suffered greatly from the whims of those he criticized, so Christ would suffer greatly from the resentment of those he challenged on this earth.

St Mark tells us that Peter wanted to preserve this holy moment when Christ was seen in the presence of these heroes from the faith. In the passage we'll read this Sunday, Peter says, "Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Instead, these ancient heroes simply fade away amidst the thundering voice of God above, who says, "this is my beloved son. Listen to him!"

During these few brief weeks in which we prepare ourselves for Easter, I hope you'll take some extra time to listen for the voice of Christ. Listen for him in Scripture. Listen for him in sermons. Listen for him in groups. Listen for him in prayer. That's because many good and holy people have revealed the will of God, but no one else can speak with the experience and authority of Christ.

I'll see you in church!

Neal

David's Team ----- Off
Jim's Team    ----- Off
Erik & Carrie  ----- Off
Brad & Maureen - Off

What is Holy Week?

Easter

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Easter, also called Pascha, is the most important religious feast in the Christian liturgical year.^[1] It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, which Christians believe occurred on the third day after his crucifixion around AD 33. Many non-religious cultural elements have become part of the holiday, and those aspects are often celebrated by many Christians and non-Christians alike.