2/23/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
In Matthew chapter 17 Jesus takes three of his disciples up a mountain. He meets with Moses and Elijah. He is transfigured in front of his disciples. He seems to take on an appearance full of glory. This moves his disciples to fear and wonder.
In the Old Testament, we are told repeatedly that nobody can look upon God’s glory. The presence of God without mediation is a consuming fire. It destroys those who approach. It should move people to fear.
What is Jesus’ response to his disciples? While they are speaking nonsense of one kind or another, probably babbling in fear, Jesus touches them, tells them not to fear, and that they will be all right.
This is the special glory that Jesus, God the Son, has. Though he is God almighty, he can appear to us with God’s glory masked. He can reach to his people who are overcome. He tells us that it will be all right. This is the glory of the Lord who is called “God with us.” He is the one who has approached us.
As we consider Jesus, may we remember that he is the one who has come for us, who reaches out to us, and who tells us he will take care of us.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
In Matthew chapter 17 Jesus takes three of his disciples up a mountain. He meets with Moses and Elijah. He is transfigured in front of his disciples. He seems to take on an appearance full of glory. This moves his disciples to fear and wonder.
In the Old Testament, we are told repeatedly that nobody can look upon God’s glory. The presence of God without mediation is a consuming fire. It destroys those who approach. It should move people to fear.
What is Jesus’ response to his disciples? While they are speaking nonsense of one kind or another, probably babbling in fear, Jesus touches them, tells them not to fear, and that they will be all right.
This is the special glory that Jesus, God the Son, has. Though he is God almighty, he can appear to us with God’s glory masked. He can reach to his people who are overcome. He tells us that it will be all right. This is the glory of the Lord who is called “God with us.” He is the one who has approached us.
As we consider Jesus, may we remember that he is the one who has come for us, who reaches out to us, and who tells us he will take care of us.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
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