Series B, The Transfiguration of our Lord February 19, 2012
Lessons for The Festival of the Transfiguration
2 Kings 2:1–12 – When Elisha saw Elijah go into heaven, he knew God’s Spirit would power his ministry.
Psalm 50:1–6 (Antiphon: Psalm 50:2)
2 Corinthians 3:12– 4:6 – Only the glory of God in the face of Christ removes the veil of unbelief and doubt.
Mark 9:2–9 – As Jesus prepared to go to Jerusalem and the cross, the Father affirmed His mission in glory.
GATHERING THE TEXTS: A Light along the Way
The disciples did not want to believe that Jesus was going to die. They would rather have stayed on the mountain in the presence of God’s glory. Like the disciples, we need the light of God's glory to lead us through the darkness of the cross. Elisha was strengthened for dark days ahead by watching as Elijah was received into heaven. St. Paul tells us that we do not lose heart in our witness to our Savior; rather, we are being transformed by the Spirit to reflect God's glory in our lives.
PRAYER BEFORE THE SERVICE: Dear Lord, there are many crosses and trials around me and before me. I need to see your glory and your love supporting me through all difficult times of my life. Thank you for showing me your glory before your cross. Help me share your love with those who are hurting. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT: A double portion of Elijah’s spirit empowered Elisha for difficult days ahead of him as the Prophet of the Lord. He used this blessing wisely, investing it in proclaiming God’s judgment and His grace. We have many blessings in our lives – time, talents, and treasures – all to use wisely for God’s mission.
OFFERING PRAYER: Lord, with Your love supporting us and Your blessings supplying us,
we can survive the trials and difficulties of this life.
May these gifts that come from the bounty of Your goodness
bring blessings to others as they come to know Your grace.
CONVICTION AND COMFORT: Like Peter, we are impressed with connections to important persons, like Elijah and Moses. Sometimes we think having the right contacts will give us privileges and exempt us from the tedious tasks of life in this world. The voice from the cloud requires our obedient response to God’s presence in our lives in the person of Jesus. Jesus’ caution to the disciples reminds us to interpret our message with the fact of His resurrection and victory over sin and death. Even when we get hung up on giving the right impression and making the right connections, it is the knowledge of Jesus, our Savior, crucified for us and risen from the dead, which leads us through the confusion of this life.
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