“Have You Asked God for Something Lately?” (2 Kings 2:9-10)

S-1476 TS/3B 2/15/2015 Hymns: (O) #135; (S) #483; (C) #134

Texts: 2 Kings 2:1-12; 2 Corinthians 3:12-13; 4:1-6; Mark 9:2-9

Theme: “Have You Asked God for Something Lately?” (2 Kings 2:9-10)

Question: “How often do you call on God?

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen! Indeed! Alleluia. The text for the Transfiguration Sunday is from the O. T. lesson: “When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.’ And Elisha said, ‘Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.’ And he said, ‘You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so’” (2 Kings 2:9-10)

Saints in Christ, in the saving name of Jesus pray that the Holy Spirit will enable you to live a life of robust repentance so that the old sinful Adam will be daily drowned and the new Adam through Christ’s pardoning love be strengthened. In the saving name of Jesus pray that God will enable you to discipline your schedule to have a daily encounter with God via the Scriptures. In the saving name of Jesus pray for a double portion of God’s Word rooted in daily Bible study and hearing God’s Word in His temple—the Church.

Beloved, the story before us today is one of the most moving stories of God’s care and love for His people Israel—in providing for them a shepherd who will guide them in the way they should live. On many different fronts, the O.T. lesson is closely connected to the Gospel lesson.

Elijah whose name means = “My God is Yahweh” is one of the heavy weight prophets whom God used mightily to call the Israelites to repentance. He is the one who destroyed the 450 Baal prophets when he challenged them on Mt. Carmel. He is the one whom you heard about in the Gospel lesson today as he appeared with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration to speak with Jesus about His death. Elijah was God’s man and spokesperson to the people of Israel.

The other prophet that is in our story is Elisha whose name means = “My God is Salvation” was called by Elijah to follow him in serving the God of Israel. We do know that Elisha heard the call and followed Elijah and became his disciple. Here is what Elisha did: “So Elisha returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him” (1 Kings 19:21).

Elisha spent much time with his mentor seeing him at work of healing and caring for the needs of God’s precious sheep. The time has arrived now for Elijah to be taken from this earth and to pass the mantle on to someone else—Elisha. As Elisha realizes the time is at hand, asks a most telling question. ‘Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.’ Elisha asked to be a faithful servant of God. He desired to have twice as much spirit power in his heart to be able to carry on the ministry. Christ Jesus has the full portion, for it is His Spirit that He poured out first, and then double on Elijah and Elisha. Elisha was asking for the Suffering Servant to pour out the spirit of faithful service into his life. This is something the same Jesus grants to you this day also, beloved, the double portion of a servant’s heart. Yes, getting back to Elisha, it was by the grace of God he received the double portion of the Spirit and served Yahweh faithfully. Elisha replaced Elijah as Israel’s chief prophet and also performed many miracles through the power of God. He was a servant of the people, demonstrating God’s love and compassion.

Elisha would serve as a prophet of the northern kingdom for more than 50 years, through the reigns of many kings (Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and into the reign of Joash.) Elisha’s miracles included purifying a spring at Jericho, multiplying a widow's oil, bringing a Shunammite woman’s son back to life (reminiscent of a miracle by Elijah, prefiguring the son of the Widow at Nain, or jairus’ daughter or even the raising of Lazarus by our Lord – yes, prefiguring the raising of Jesus by the Father on Easter. Yes, and further, Elisha also purified), purifying a poisonous stew, and again, prefiguring His Savior with the five loaves and two fish, Elisha multiplying loaves of bread. All of this was done because he asked one seemingly insignificant question. PAUSE.

How about you dear saints in Christ? What have you asked God for lately? In many ways we are like Peter and Elisha we want to remain and bask in the moment. We think of ourselves more than others. If you are like me most of the time we ask God for personal things. Father, come to my aid and help me in the hour of need. Give healing to my body. Watch over my children and keep them safe. Open for me new job opportunity. Help me to be able to provide for my family. Etc. Etc.

Know the truth and hold it dear, there is nothing wrong with asking the Lord for help. For Jesus Himself taught us in the Sermon on the Mount saying: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8). Again, I declare to you there is nothing wrong with asking.

But let me ask you this: “When was the last time you asked the Lord to give you a double measure of His Spirit? ...When was the last time you asked the Lord to use you in the church for His glory and the benefit of others? …When was the last time you asked the Lord to use you as a teacher in Sunday School, Midweek teacher or VBS helper? … When was the last time you asked God to help you give more dollars to support the ministry? … When was the last time you asked the Lord to use you to be present in His house weekly? … When was the last time you asked the Lord to use you in finding the good in the family of faith rather than all that is wrong? … When was the last time you asked the Lord to help you see the wrong that you do, instead of the wrong that others commit? … When was the last time you asked the Lord to help you be a beacon of light to those around you? … When was the last time you asked the Lord to fill your heart with joy because you are redeemed and forgiven? … When was the last time you asked the Lord to help you praise His name for His gifts of this Church, His Word and the preaching and teaching that goes on?

If we are honest, sincere and true; not very often! As I said earlier more often we ask for our personal gains and benefits. But Elisha teaches us to be true and faithful disciples in asking the Lord to give us the gifts to be His men and women to carry on the ministry of the Gospel. Elisha teaches us to ask because he, like us knows that the real answers, the real gifts come not from our efforts but from the GIVER of all good gifts—God Himself.

But not only Elisha teaches us, but so does Jesus. Here is what Jesus prayed for: saying, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” (Luke 23:46); “My Father is working until now, and I Am working.” (John 5:17); “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise” (John 5:19); “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it up again” (John 10:17); “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30); “… I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (John 15:10); “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son that the Son may glorify You” (John 17:1).

As you can see through the Words of Jesus, His desire is to do the will of God; because in Him we behold the faithful and Divine Servant, who serves joyfully and faithfully; and who was transfigured before the three disciples to equip them for the long journey ahead.

But we see it more clearly in the final week of His life as sweat of blood dripped from His brow in Gethsemane where Jesus, like a greater Elisha, asked the greater question of His Father saying: “Father, if You are willing, remove this CUP from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). In His obedience to the will of the loving Father, He endured the yoke of suffering, accepted the punishment on our behalf, was strapped and affixed to a cross until death came—death in our place, placed in a grave, laid in it for 3 days and rose again on the third day.

This Divine Servant—the Savior who was transfigured on the mountain did it all for YOU so that you may live under Him and praise His holy name forever and ever. Amen.

Now the peace of God.

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“Mountain Top Experience” (2 Peter 1:16-18)

S-1414 Transfiguration S/3A 3/23/2014 Hymns: (O) #414; (S) #415 LSB Choir/Congregations vs 4; (C) #416

Texts: Exodus 24:8-18; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9

Theme: “Mountain Top Experience” (2 Peter 1:16-18)

Question: “Have you had a mountaintop experience?’” Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! The text for the TRANSFIGURATION Sunday is from Epistle lesson “For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I Am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain’” (2 Peter 1:16-18).

INTRODUCTION: In Nomine Iesu.

Have you ever had a mountaintop experience? You know, one of those experiences in your life where your perspective on life gets changed? These experiences are uplifting, inspiring and life-changing. If you watched any of the recently completed Olympic competitions in Sochi, you got to see clear examples of these kinds of experiences through the television screen. As viewers, we were able to feel the glory as we watched athletes reach the pinnacle of their training as they stood upon the mountaintop of the podium basking in the glow of a gold medal! They had reached the mountaintop! And we take joy in watching this in others.

Today, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, we get to share in another’s “mountaintop experience.” I ask you, then, to put on your boots, backpack, water supply and come with me as we climb the mountain and see with our eyes a most beautiful sight. While there were no medals to be handed out on the podium that is the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James and John did have similar kind of mountaintop experience. And it was an experience that would train them for future glory.

Jesus led them on that mountain for a reason—to pray. As they prayed, two powerful leaders of their faith appeared with Jesus; His appearance changes; and a voice from heaven declare “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I Am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (Mt. 17:5b). It was a powerful “mountaintop” religious experience that we call “The Transfiguration.” It was an illuminating experience for the disciples. Because of this experience, they saw Jesus in a whole new light. There in the presence of Moses, Elijah and Jesus, it was obviously inspiring and uplifting for these simple men. This was an event that changed their lives forever!

By the grace of God today we stand at a point in the Church Year that serves as a watershed moment. Here, we too, are called to a mountaintop experience. On This Sunday of the Transfiguration we stand on the pivot point between Epiphany and our Lenten journey to Golgotha. What we see this day through the eyes of the Three is the greatest Epiphany ever! This mountaintop experience moves these men to be exactly what the Lord calls them to be, followers of Jesus and witnesses of what they see and hear. That witness will even lead them to joyfully go to the point of death! That was some experience! PAUSE.

Today, we too, get to experience what moved Peter to say, “It’s good for us to be here.” Yes, indeed, it is good to be here. For here, you and I by the power of the Holy Spirit get a glimpse of God’s heaven-sent Savior—Jesus the Christ in all of His glory, majesty and power. Here in this place we hear the Words of the Father, “This is my beloved Son…Listen to Him.” Here in this place we see what many in this world don’t see. Here we see Christ for who He truly is, not a mere man, not a teacher, not a prophet, not a miracle worker but God in the flesh.

On that mountain the disciples saw something that moved them and changed their lives that Peter was inspired to write: “For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. And witnesses they became. They took the message from Jerusalem to the ends of the known world.

It is good for us to be here again on the Mount of Transfiguration. It is good because from this mountaintop vantage point we can look back to the manger cradle and see all the glory of God that led to this point. Today the Epiphany Sundays come to an end. Ash Wednesday is only four days away. What started with the amazing glory of the light of a star now culminates in the glory that shines from the face of Jesus the Christ, whom the Scriptures call the “Bright and Morning Star! “

Yet for Jesus, who is the Son of God, The view from this mountaintop also reveals a future that is fraught with frightening implications. The Transfigura­tion is a watershed in Jesus’ life. Like Moses standing on the edge of the Promised Land, Jesus can see both the Glory of Eternity and the agony of the Cross that He must face before He gets back there. Moses and Elijah, The Law and the Prophets personified, speak casually with Jesus about what is to come. From here He sets His face toward Jerusalem and everything it will cost Him. His ultimate glory will not be revealed on this mountain. No, there will be another mountain. This one called Calvary. There He will not shine. No there He will be beaten and bloodied. There He will not radiate. There He will die for us the sinners! PAUSE.

The Transfiguration reveals a glory that is only made possible through suffering and death. For Jesus there will be no short cuts. There will be no easy way. It will be a lonely desolate and arduous climb. He will return home by way of the cross. Peter was right to want to build shelters in an attempt to stay, but he was right for the wrong reasons. It is natural for us to want to bask in the glory of an event. It is wonderful to live in the glory of the moment. But when the moment fades, the glory is gone. For the Olympic athlete, as soon as the Anthem falls silent, there comes the training for the next event. This also comes with the reality that a moment like this may never come again. The same is true for the Transfiguration.

This fleeting glory is not the Glory of the Transfiguration or the Glory of Jesus. To hold Christ back from the cross by denying His deity, to tempt Him not to go to the cross like the devil did is to elevate ourselves above the wisdom and knowledge of God. We couldn’t and shouldn’t hold Jesus back by denying Him the honor of which He is God’s very own Son. We can’t only look at Him as a man, however great of a man He is. For a brief moment in time upon this earth, Peter, James and John saw a glimpse of heaven come down to earth—in the personhood of Christ.

By the Spirit’s power, we have been led up to the mountain top to witness with eyes of faith the One who is the Savior for our sins. On that mountain, with ears of faith, we hear the voice of the Father in exuberant joy telling us: “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I Am well pleased. Listen to Him!” By the grace of God we will listen attentively. We will take to heart what the Savior says and does. And we do come down from the mountain to the plains that we could be His witnesses to our neighbors, family, coworkers and friends. PAUSE.

When we meet Jesus like we do on the Mount of Transfiguration and see Him for who and what He is, we are “transfigured” through faith. Like the Mount of Transfiguration was a watershed event for Jesus, so it is with us as we begin our own journey to the throne—through costly discipleship. We know that as the Journey cost Jesus, it will also cost us. It may cost us friendships, wealth or honor. It may even cost us our lives. But we make the journey on account of Him.

While this place looks familiar to all of us, today is a mountaintop experience. Here in worship today and every week the Lord gives us a transfiguring experience. Here, gathered together with people you know and love we are centered on and in the presences of Christ. We rejoice as we see our Lord once again transfigured before us in Word and Sacrament. The sights and sounds, although easily mistaken as plain and ordinary, move us in a profound way. Here we sing the praises of Him who was transfigured for us so that we would be transfigured from death to life for eternity. His death and His Resurrection changes everything.

But like Peter, James and John, we can’t stay. There is work to do. We come to this mountaintop experience week in and week out to have our sins forgiven and our batteries recharged by the Grace of God. Here we once again hear the voice of the Father when He says, “Listen to Him!” Like those three Disciples, we are changed by our moments in this place so that we might leave here as confident and joyful witnesses.

And as witnesses, we seek out others who are still sitting in the darkness of sin. We seek them out not to glory in what we have seen, but to share that glory with them so that they too may know our joy.

Saints in Christ, let me challenge you beginning today. That for the next 40 days (the days of Lent) you would prayer for someone daily and invite them to come the Lord’s house. Fervently and prayerfully consider whom you may invite to join with us on this mountaintop on Easter Sunday morning as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. But like Peter, we won’t follow clever schemes. No, we will just invite them to come to the mountaintop with us so that they may hear the Lord’s voice, listen and joyfully follow!

It is good Lord to be here. It is good Lord for us to be here week in and week out. For it is here that we have the mountaintop experience of the Glory of God. A glory revealed to us in Jesus as He gleams on the Mount of Transfiguration, as He groans and gasps for air on Mount Calvary, and as we wait for Him to take us to the glory of Mount Zion in Eternity! We can see it all from here. But we can’t stay. There are many that the Lord is seeking through us. The journey might be difficult, frustrating and hard, but the journey will be worth it! By God’s grace, let’s get going! AMEN.

Now the peace of God…

SOLE DEO GLORIA

“Passing the Baton” (2 Kings 2:1, 9-12)

S-1296 Transfiguration S/3B 2/19/12 Hymns: (O) #590; (S) #682; (C) #414 LSB

Text: 2 Kings 2:1-12; 2 Corinthians 3:12-13; 4:1-6; Mark 9:2-945

Theme: “Passing the Baton” (2 Kings 2:1, 9-12)

Question: “Are you in a race now?” Armour, SD.

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia! The text for the Transfiguration Sunday is from the O. T. Lesson: “Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal… When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.’ And Elisha said, ‘Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.’ And he said, ‘You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.’ And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and he cried, ‘My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ And he saw him no more.” (2 Kings 2:1, 9-12).

You, who are Loved by God the Father, Served by Christ the Savior and Sanctified by the working of the Holy Spirit, know that you are precious in His sight; adored, wanted and cherished. Every good writer and author, almost always keeps the hearer on the edge of their seat, or holds them captive till the end, before they reveal the point of the story. But not in today’s text! The narrator reveals the main point of the story right off the bat: “Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind…” (v. 1) we are told exactly what God is going to do—take Elijah up to heaven. There are no surprises. There are no secrets. No hidden agenda.

When I was in Israel, there was primarily one sport that I and many others participated in—soccer. However, when I became a father, my sons participated in many sports. One athletic event that I enjoyed watching is the relay race; that is where several men or women run stages of a race but where the baton always has to be correctly passed on to the next runner in order for the next phase of the race to continue.

But I’m sure we have all seen some relay races where one of the teams has dropped the baton - disaster! Maybe that team even had a good lead but everything is lost because a baton was fumbled or dropped on one of the changeovers. That meant that all the running skills of that team were rendered useless! And as a spectator, you feel badly for the person who dropped the baton as well as the team.

Did you ever think that the life of the Christian is like an athlete in a relay race?

In today’s text, the Holy Spirit reveals to us the events about Elijah’s last moments on earth before the Lord took him to heaven by a Chariot and horses of fire. PAUSE.

As the tale unfolds, everywhere Elijah goes there are people who already know what is going to happen. First, he goes to Bethel where he finds a company of prophets. These prophets take Elisha aside and say to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” In the second scene, they go to Jericho and the same thing happens. The prophets take Elisha aside and say, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” and in the third scene, they go to the Jordan and this time 50 seminarians repeat the same words. Each time, Elisha responds by saying, “Yes, I know; don’t rub it in. Hush be silent!”

But what do these places visited by Elijah and Elisha mentioned in our text mean and how do they affect us personally?

Gilgal: is the place where the Israelites crossed the Jordan over to the Promised Land and Joshua asked them to place 12 stones, for a remembrance at God’s leading. Joshua 4:14-24.

Bethel: is the name the Patriarch Jacob gave this location as he was running away from his brother to his uncle Laban. “Surely, God is in this place and I didn’t know it” Genesis 28:10-19. Jericho: the site of the great battle that God fought on behalf of the Israelites as they walked by faith and not by sight. Joshua 6.

These places are used by the Holy Spirit to teach us a mighty lesson—that God didn’t come to be on our side or help us fight the battles of life, but to take over and be our Lord and God. So Gilgal speaks of being separate… Bethel speaks of the presence of God… Jericho teaches about the walk of faith. And the Jordan: Is where the Israelites crossed; and Elijah and Elisha did too. The Jordan, like the Israelite’s Red Sea experience, speaks to us of baptism – death and resurrection. The practical outworking of this is how God takes us from one place to the next. He puts us to death to lift us up.

We saw the mighty work of drowning in the Jordan today and rising to new life of Molly Krull. The Lord, God Almighty permitted Dana and Jen to bring Molly to receive the blessings of the baptismal grace and to ground her in her walk of faith—this too, is passing on the baton of faith. PAUSE.

This story is about the passing of authority from one prophet to another. Elijah has been a mighty prophet performing miracles while Elisha has been the apprentice. Here we have the transition from Elijah to Elisha. In the verse after the text, we see Elisha picking up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him… and splitting the Jordan. Scripture is clear that Elisha did mighty miracles after he became the prophet in Israel.

Throughout all of Holy Scriptures we see the passing of the baton from one person to the next. Moses passed it on to Joshua, Elijah passed it on to Elisha, Jesus passed it on the disciples, Paul passed it on Timothy and Titus; and Peter, passed it on to Mark.

The baton of faith has been passed on throughout the Christians’ history. And it is important for us to pass it on; because it is the power that changes lives and brings healing to broken and bruised hearts. That is why we have seminaries to train pastors. That is why we have churches that teach the truth of what Christ has come to do—win our salvation. That is why we teach Bible studies, VBS, Confirmation and the likes.

Passing the baton is the privilege you and I have to freely share our spiritual wealth with others. Any time, anyway, and in any form the thing God has taught you, encouraged you, or allowed you to learn from others—share it with people for their spiritual growth—living the life of faith—you are baton passing. You pass on the baton that makes a difference in the lives of others—one life at a time.

We do this, because God calls us to point others to Jesus “You Can Make An Impact, One Life At A Time”). We’re not the answer, But Jesus IS! Jesus is the One who came down from heaven and passed on to us the love of the Father. Jesus is the One who went to the cross and taught us to forgive as He forgave us our sins. Jesus is the One who died our death and rose on the third day to guarantee that we will rise with Him.

On this Transfiguration day, we remember that just as Elijah at the end of his ministry, was taken up into heaven with Elisha watching, so Jesus, at the end of His earthly ministry, ascends to heaven while His disciples watch. As we await Christ’s return, we take the mantle (Jesus Christ) and His Gospel and proclaim the glorious Good News of our salvation.

Therefore, today, we thank God for those who have gone before us—every son of Adam and every daughter of Eve who have picked up the Mantle and shared it with us. And we, too, in like measure pick up the Mantle of Jesus Christ and wear it as our baptismal garment as Molly did today and leave here to share it with others; so that they too, may know the Savior of the world who comes to us now and always. Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

“I Was on the Mountain” (Matthew 17:1-9).

S-1236 Transfiguration Sunday//3A 03/06/11 Hymns from LSB (O) #415; (S) #414; (C) #416

Text: Exodus 24:8-18; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9

Theme: “I Was on the Mountain” (Matthew 17:1-9).

Question: “Have you ever been on a mountain?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

This sermon will be preached in FPDNP. The preacher is John the youngest of the disciples and part of the inner circle. However, will not be dressed except with the Alb and stole.

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

The first time I met the Rabbi from Nazareth, I was helping my father Zebedee and my older brother James mend the nets before we were going out fishing on the Sea of Galilee. My father was a great fisherman and our business was growing with our partners Peter and Andrew.

On one of those beautiful sunny days while working the nets, the Rabbi Jesus called me, my brother and our partners to follow Him and He promised to make us fishers of men. Right there and then, I, and the others left the nets, the father and mother I loved and the town I lived in and followed Him… I learned a great deal from Him about the Kingdom of heaven.

He taught me so much and opened my eyes by teaching the Scriptures like no other Rabbi ever did. It seemed when He spoke, He was speaking to me the very Words of God. I loved hearing Him speak because His Words brought so much comfort to my young heart and mind.

Once, I had witnessed Him perform in our neighboring town a most unusual miracle. At a wedding I and the rest of His disciples were all present; the family ran out of wine. Without making a big fuss or embarrassing the groom He changed water into wine. I will tell you I was amazed and didn’t know what kind of man He was and the power He had. All I knew is that I wanted to be with this Rabbi because He was different and I wanted to learn from Him as much as I could.

Many times I heard Him say: “He had to go to Jerusalem, (the big city where the temple was) and there He would suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests, and teachers of the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised to life.” This was a new teaching which I didn’t understand till later; much later…I will tell you about it very soon! Can you wait?

Few days after Rabbi Jesus spoke about what would happen to Him in Jerusalem, He invited me, my older brother James and our fishing partner Peter to go with Him up the mountain to pray. I felt privileged to go with Him. I followed Him up the mountain. But by the time I got up to the top, I was exhausted…but not the Rabbi. He went alone for a long while and prayed. I didn’t hear what He was saying, but I knew something was on His mind.

While I was somewhat nodding off, I thought my eyes playing a trick on me. My Rabbi’s face began to shine, and all around Him a bright light radiated, and in the midst of that light, two men - Moses and Elijah appeared and they spoke to Him about all that was to happen to Him in Jerusalem. Somehow, I don’t know how, somehow I knew who they were, these other two, Moses and Elijah. It was thrilling! I was so humbled!

Dazed and in amazement I looked intently on the face of Jesus which was brighter than the Sun. His whole being changed from the inside out! I couldn’t believe my eyes (rub eyes). Was this a trick? What was happening here? What did I, John, just witness! While thinking about this, a cloud came over me my brother James and Peter. Together we heard, yes we did and I heard it: I really heard it!—this booming voice saying: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him!” right there and then, I fell to the ground in fear and trepidation. I didn’t know what was happening. But something unusual just took place on that mountain, and I was an eye witness to it.

While still shaking from fear the hand of my Rabbi came upon me. He spoke saying: “Rise and have no fear.” Though, I was afraid, He calmed my spirit. It was a power like I had seen Him use on others as He spoke and they were healed of blindness, made able to speak, to walk, even to rise from a death bed. Now that same voice spoke, “Rise and have no fear!” and I was lifted up, and fear… it left me! Then He also told me not to say anything about this until after He rose from the dead. Have no fear! Wow!

I came down the mountain with Him and followed Him wherever He went. For 3 years I witnessed Him again and again do some mighty miracles. Lovingly, caringly and gently He healed some from blindness, others from leprosy, others He caused to walk and still others He raised from the dead. What a blessed time I had with my Rabbi Jesus.

After I had been with Him for 3 years, I went with Him and the other disciples to Jerusalem. He sent Peter and me to get a place ready for the Passover meal. That night He told me things that I will never forget—He again said, “He would be betrayed into the hands of the Jewish leaders and they would put Him to death but He will rise again”. His words had the same force they did up on that mountain where He spoke with Moses and Elijah, and then to me: I still didn’t understand what He was saying.

From the Upper Room I went with my Rabbi to another mountain, and there again, (rub my head and face) I hate to admit it I fell asleep while He went to pray off in a distance. By the look on His face and the sweat coming from His brow, I knew something was on His mind. That night on the Mountain of Olives in the Garden of Gethsemane He prayed and three times I fell asleep. He loved me, prayed for me, watched over me… and I… I slept! Three times!

But then I was awakened by the noise of soldiers coming, the lanterns burning and voices speaking. Right then, the soldiers of our High Priest grabbed Him and took Him. I followed in the distance and couldn’t believe what I was witnessing and hearing as they took Him to Caiaphas’ house. They mocked Him, spit on Him, pulled on His beard and then they slapped Him on the face. While I was still warming myself by the fire, I heard the sad and terrible news—they condemned Him to death.

But why? What has He done? This Rabbi taught like no other. He loved like no other. He gave like no other. Besides, He has never done any evil. He has never sinned. He has never done anything except teach the truth about God and His Kingdom. He taught the truth in the streets, in the Synagogues and the Temple. I couldn’t understand why they wanted Him put to death.

Early the next morning they dragged Him to Pilate’s Palace and He too, condemned Him to death by crucifixion. This can’t be happening. Something is wrong. I was afraid to speak up. I was afraid to say something to the High Priest, the soldiers and the crowd. I am sad to say, I stayed in the distant and watched in silence. 

After Pilate gave the orders, the soldiers grabbed Him and began the march to another mountain—Golgotha. Again, I was there on the mountain. I watched from a distance. You won’t believe what they did to Him. First they made a crown of thorns and pushed into His skull and blood began to drip down His face, on His beard, His garments and into the dusty soil. Then they stripped Him naked and laid Him on a huge rough beam. One soldier grabbed one hand and pulled it as hard as He could and took this huge nail and drove it into His body. Blood gushed out everywhere. I was hurting for Him, but He didn’t make any noise. Another soldier grabbed the other hand and did the same. I heard the hammer come down and again I saw the blood gush out. I was weeping. And still a third soldier drove a spike into His feet. PAUSE. 

They lifted the cross high on the mountain and a sign was placed above His head, “JESUS OF NAZARTEH KING OF THE JEWS”. I came closer and stood by the cross and watched Him intently. Then He spoke, not in anger but in words that have helped me many times in my sinful nature. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!” I also heard Him say, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” And then I remembered the Psalm of David that taught what will happen to the promised Messiah. I slowly began to understand.  

As I stood on that mountain, darkness descended upon the Land for 3 hours like none-other I have ever seen. I heard Him speak yet again, “FATHER INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT!” And finally He spoke these words—oh, the words I heard Him say “IT IS FINISHED!” And with that He bowed His head and died. I cried to see my Rabbi dead at the hands of the Jewish leaders.

Some of my acquaintances Joseph of Arimathea along with Nicodemus took His body and laid Him in a tomb. What a sad day that was for me—the saddest I have ever witnessed and lived. But then a most amazing thing happened three days later. Word had come to me that the Messiah, my Rabbi had been raised from the dead. I didn’t believe the news. So I ran as fast as I could and Peter ran behind. I was a little faster because I am younger and stronger and got to the tomb first. It was open and no one was there.  

Was this a trick? Did someone steal His body? What was happening here? What did I, John, just witnessed! BUT THEN, in the evening while I was huddling behind closed doors with the others from fear of the Jews, He came. Yes, the Rabbi from Nazareth and spoke the most beautiful words. “Peace be with you.” Oh, how I needed to hear those words for my troubled heart. That same voice, that same reassuring voice that healed the sick; that raised the dead that caused crippled limbs to be made whole had just healed me, had just forgiven me. “Peace be with you!” and so it was – His voice, His Words, He Himself, He filled me with Peace! 

From the Glorious Mountain, to Gethsemane’s mountain, to Golgotha’s mountain I was there. I will tell you that it was an unbelievable journey of comfort and joy to my heart, because I learned that Jesus was more than just a Rabbi from Nazareth, more than a good Teacher, but He was and is My Savior and Lord who died for my sins and rose again to give me life eternal. Oh, thankfully, humbly I was with Him on the mountain. 

John leaves without saying a word. 

“In the Presence of A Holy God” (Luke 9:33-35)

S-1168 Transfiguration: 2/14/10 (O) #20; (S) #135; (LSB 413; #416); #308; 46

Texts: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Hebrews 3:1-6; Luke 9:28-36

Theme: “In the Presence of A Holy God” (Luke 9:33-35)

Question: “Do you know where you are?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA, Armour, SD

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our Transfiguration Sunday is from the Gospel Lesson: “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. As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud’” (Luke 9:33-35).

Introduction: In Nomine IESU

People of God, chosen and beloved, if you have ever traveled to Washington, DC., more than likely you would have had a chance to visit the National Mall. You would have seen many of the memorials that adorn our Nation’s Capital. Some are built in honor of our military men and women—the Vietnam Memorial, and others are built in honor of our Presidents. There is one building that sits on 36 columns that really draws you to it from a distance and begs you to see it. As you stand in this building, you feel awe and wonder. You feel part of history revisited. You feel alive. “Within this large stone building sits a massive marble statue of the 16th President of the United States. Above him are engraved the words: “In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.”

Certainly the memory of President Lincoln lives in the hearts of many Americans. Many appreciate this man for all that he has done for the union. And anyone who stands in front of his statue realizes what an awe inspiring place this is. PAUSE.

Beloved, wouldn’t it be grand if we had a similar edifice dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ? I wonder how large this memorial would be. Would the tourists flock to it? Would it be built out of marble to stand the test of time?

Now there may be some who think this line of questioning might be absurd. Of course we have monuments to our Savior Jesus Christ! Isn’t that what this building is? This is a sacred space dedicated to the service that the Lord provides for us.

But I wonder if it inspires the same awe that the monument to President Lincoln does? Let me ask you few questions this morning. When you came into this building today, did you feel like you were entering a “sacred space”? Was a part of you moved to “quiet your voice” a little bit, or bow your head toward the Altar? And as you took your seats in the pews today, did you know that you are coming to a most holy place? Did you know you were entering the Temple of God where He comes to us in His Word and Sacrament? What were you expecting? Entertainment? Instruction? Beautiful Music?

On this holy day of Transfiguration, we have been gathered by the Holy Spirit in this most holy place. Luke in his narrative reminds us of the Awesomeness of this day that occurred so long ago with the disciples on the Holy Mountain. Come with me then to the mountain and hear how Luke tells his story: “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. As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud’” (Luke 9:33-35).

Peter, the spokesperson for the disciples’ uttered words: ‘Master, it is good that we are here’. How true it was for the 3 disciples and how true it is for us today. As we sit in this place, whether we realize it or not, we are in the Presence of a Holy God. We are not visiting a National Monument today, but rather we are standing in a most holy place—God’s Holy Temple, where He dwells among us and with us.

On that mountain the disciples—Peter, James and John beheld a most amazing sight. Jesus stands with Moses and Elijah. Jesus’ whole being is “metamorphosed” changed. His clothing changed to pure white, His face shown like the sun. And then you have to come closer to hear the conversation that is taking place between the three. Moses and Elijah speak to Him about His mission which He came to earth to fulfill—His exodus that is about His cross, His death and winning our freedom.

These disciples didn’t get it. They were overcome with fear. They put their heads to the ground and are terrified. But Jesus comforts them, as He comforts us because we at times don’t get it that when we enter this place that we are in a most holy place— in His Presence. What an awe-inspiring place to be in.

Transfiguration Sunday helps us see, understand and behold with our eyes that this man is no ordinary man and this event is no ordinary event and this day is no ordinary day. This day the disciples of old and the disciples of today saw Jesus as more than man, BUT God in the flesh. That Jesus is truly God in person.

Transfiguration Sunday is all about Christ and His faithfulness - His exodus through the Cross on our behalf!  He knew we could not understand what He was going to do; He knew that we couldn’t make the journey to heaven on our own. He knew that we couldn’t fight the fight against our arch enemy—the devil and so He came to fulfill the exodus.  Yes, the Transfiguration is about Jesus being God, and more to the point, being God for sinners, God for us, God for you, and God for me! 

Oh, my beloved, today, as we are observing and celebrating this special day, let us remember that this day shows us that Jesus is not just a man who performed miracles so long ago; but rather God in the flesh. Let us remember as we enter this place we are not coming here for Entertainments, or beautiful music, but we come here to stand in awe and wonder in the Presence of a Holy God—who takes away our sins and makes us holy. PAUSE.

Do you get the picture? The disciples did! That was really the only thing they did get! They fell to the ground in fear and trembling. When God is truly present, the proper human response is to bow your head in humble submission and tremble in reverent fear. We are sinners, and God alone is Holy beyond our imagination. He sees right through the exterior and into the darkness of our hearts – the sins of thought and desire that we hide so well from the world around us. The Holy Light and Penetrating Gaze of the Living God is enough to strike us dead and burn our sinful flesh to ash… This is most certainly true.

When we are gathered together in this place, we gather on Holy Ground. This is a sacred space, set aside for a Holy Purpose. Inside these hallowed walls, we hear the Voice of God speak through Sacred Scripture as He promised. In this place, the Lord Jesus Christ is truly present, as was on the Holy Mountain and He has promised where more than 2 or 3 gather in His name. Through these Means of Grace – the washing of water and the Word of Holy Baptism, the pardoning forgiveness of Holy Absolution; and the Sacred Feast that is the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ – God is Truly Present to touch the lives of His people.

When we gather together for the Divine Service of the Living God in this place, it is no ordinary meeting or gathering. Here we come as sinners into the presence of Yahweh Sabaoth – Elohim and Adonai… Here the Lord of All Creation hides His Glory in humble means, so that He might come to us with forgiveness instead of judgment. Here is where the messengers of God press the sacred food from the altar of Christ’s sacrifice to our lips and we are made clean… And here we hear the Word of Jesus, the Incarnate Son of God, when He says, “Do not be afraid” a better translation would be “Stop being afraid.”

For Jesus Christ did not come to destroy us – but redeem us all. This is His mission—His Exodus was to go to the cross of Calvary on our behalf, destroy satan and his cohorts and free us to be His forever.

We rejoice that today the Holy Spirit has brought us to this most holy temple—the presence of a Holy God. For today, Jesus reminds us again that He is God in the flesh and we have seen His glory as of the Only begotten of the Father. In 3 days, we begin our Lenten Journey. And this is so important for us to see Him now because the journey is going to be long and we are going to wonder if God can help us. And the answer of course is yes! On that mountain—the holy mountain of Transfiguration, what the disciples witnessed gave them energy and power to come from the mountain to the valley and continue to trust Him and walk with Him as they walk through the valley of death and so can we.

This is the purpose of our gathering together in His name… To hear the Good News of salvation that transforms hearts and lives; to receive by our hearing the Word of forgiveness promised by the lips of Jesus Christ. To behold the washing of water and the Spirit that is done in the name and by the power of the Holy Trinity. To take upon our hands and tongue the body and blood of him who died for our forgiveness and salvation. PAUSE.

Saints in Christ, Abraham Lincoln’s memory is cherished and remembered because He saved the union. But today, another man from Nazareth is remembered and cherished because He, too, saved the union. But the union was not an earthly power, but the Union between the Almighty God and His people. He saved you. Transfiguration Sunday reminds us of who He is and what He came to do. And like Peter, James and John all we can say is this: MASTER, IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE. AMEN.

Now the peace…

SDG

“I Saw! I Heard! I Speak!” (Mark 9:5)

S-1100 2/22/09 Transfiguration Sunday/3B Hymns: (O) #135; (S) #413 LSB; LS. #415 LSB; #306; #359 (C) #416 LSB

Texts 2 Kings 2:1-12; 2 Corinthians 3:12-14; 4:1-6; Mark 9:2-9

Theme: “I Saw! I Heard! I Speak!” (Mark 9:5)

Question: “Do you ever wonder why we observe Transfiguration before we begin Lent?”

SOLI DEO GLORIA

This sermon will be preached in a first person dramatic narrative. Peter is visiting Armour today. (Peter is dressed with burlap garment, sandals, a fishermen’s pouch, head dress (purple), waist band (green). I have stubble for a beard too.

A week ago, the Rabbi from Nazareth Yeshua was teaching us that He must go to Jerusalem; suffer at the hands of our Jewish leaders, be put to death and rise on the third day. I stood up to him and objected to what He said. He told me “Get behind me satan! You don’t have in mind the things of God, but of man” (Mark 9:33).

Today began like many of the other days my companions and I spent with the Rabbi from Nazareth around the Sea of Galilee, or so I thought. A little later into the day, Yeshua asked John, James and I to join Him in going to a private place. We began the climb up the steep mountain. I remember vividly the day. The wind was light; the sky was as blue as the Sea, and not a cloud in the sky. And the sun’s beams were radiant on our backs and faces. The warmth of the sun made the journey beautiful. The higher we climbed the sun appeared brighter.

On the mountain the most amazing thing I ever saw with my own two eyes (point to the eyes), happened. Yeshua’s appearance changed completely—from the inside and outside. His face shown with the glory that is brighter than the Palestinian sun ever shown. And this glory didn’t beam from the sun upon Him, but came through Him and outshone the brightest sky I have ever witnessed. It was so bright that I couldn’t look at Him. His face looked like the face of God. He glowed as with majesty and beauty that boggles the mind.

And with my eyes blinking at the image that was standing before me, I saw two other men standing with Him. I shook my head (shake head), I rubbed my eyes (rub eye), at the images that were standing there, Yeshua, Moses and Elijah. I truly couldn’t believe what was happening. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was afraid that I was dreaming. But no, this was no dream. But I was witnessing something beautiful and real. But who was this Yeshua? Why did He invite me and the others to join Him on this mountain-hike? Pause for few seconds (I would know sometimes later).

With my own eyes, I was looking at a most beautiful scene—Yeshua, My Rabbi, Moses and Elijah were on the mountain and I, Peter the fisherman from Capernaum, was privileged to see this event. I wanted to preserve this moment. I wanted to cherish this moment. I wanted to bask in this moment. I didn’t want to come down from the mountain. I didn’t really know what to say, but saying nothing just didn’t seem right either. But you know me, silence isn’t in my nature. Before I knew it, my mouth was opened and I began saying: “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

And this is not all I saw. As I attempted to hear the conversations that the Rabbi, Moses, and Elijah were speaking about—they spoke about a new kind of Exodus, a dramatic departure for Yeshua, some unknown activity that my Rabbi was to carry out. I was still trying to figure it out and all of a sudden a cloud came over us. And out of the cloud a voice spoke saying, “This is My beloved Son; listen to Him.” Fear filled my heart at the voice, and the sight that I was witnessing and I fell to the ground (drop on the knees).

What was happening on that mountain? Who was this Yeshua the Man from Nazareth? How could it be that His whole being changed and became brighter than the sun? How could He glow with such brilliant beams of light? And the cloud, where did it come from? Was it the same cloud that led my people in the wilderness? Was I standing before God Himself? If so, can I see God and live?

(Stand up), Fear, trepidation and panic were all over my face. I knew that I was witnessing with my own eyes God walking among us. I knew that I was hearing the voice of God. There on the mountain God and Man were standing face-to-face. I knew this was special—very special indeed and something that I wanted to tell others about. I was so excited to tell others of what I saw and what I heard. (Move a little towards the steps).

But as we began to come down from the mountain, Jesus said to us, “Don’t tell anyone about this, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.” I didn’t understand what He was talking about. I didn’t understand why not. I didn’t understand what it meant for the “Son of Man to rise from the dead.” And yet, I now know what I saw, Yeshua’s whole being beamed with the glory that is brighter than the sun. And I heard God’s voice saying “This is My Son, listen to Him.” PAUSE. (Move to another place).

It was sometimes later that I realized what this shining moment on the mountain meant, for my Rabbi. His conversation with Moses and Elijah were being carried out. He traveled to Jerusalem and there He taught many in the temple and reached out to many who needed healing. His compassionate hands were busy doing many good things—healing the diseased, caring for the needs of the sick, concerned for the outcast and raising the dead. Among the people His popularity increased, but among the Jewish leaders it decreased. The people loved the Rabbi, but our Jewish leaders hated Him. I didn’t know why. I didn’t know what I was seeing or what I was hearing.

But then, it all became clear. I saw with my own eyes the Rabbi from Nazareth taken from among us in the Garden as a prisoner by the soldiers of our Jewish leaders. I saw Him dragged to the courtroom. I saw Him mocked and spit upon. I saw Him beaten. I saw them put a crown of thorns on Him. And the funny robe they dressed Him with. And I heard all kinds of accusations against Him. It seemed that everyone was against Him.

In fear I left my Rabbi alone to face the hungry eyes, and the evil hands of the enemies. This was not my shining moment. I was afraid they might take me as a prisoner. I was afraid they might beat me. I was afraid they might hurt me. So I ran, and ran and ran. PAUSE.

I couldn’t run far enough as not to see the crowd filling up the streets of Jerusalem. I couldn’t run far enough not to hear the verdict—crucify Him. I don’t know why there was such hatred for Him. For My Rabbi hadn’t done anything to deserve death. What He did was good and beautiful. He blessed the little children and said, “Let them come to me.” He raised the dead from the grave. He fed the hungry. He opened the eyes of the blind. He forgave sins. MINE TOO.

Compassion flowed from the Man from Nazareth. Love poured out from His mouth like sweet water. Care was demonstrated by Him as He got involved in the lives of my country men. And yet the Jewish leaders hated Him and wanted Him dead.

Well, they put Him to death. They put Him in the grave. But they couldn’t stop Him. They couldn’t silence Him. They couldn’t destroy Him. For in three days He rose from the dead.

I saw the grave myself. I ran early that morning after hearing from Mary Magdalene that He has risen from the dead. The grave was empty. I can assure of you that. I saw it empty. And then I heard my My Rabbi speak.

Then, only then, I understood what He told me that day on the mountain, “Don’t tell anyone about this, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.” I know why. Because He is not just a Man from Nazareth, He is not just a Rabbi, He is not just a miracle worker, He is not just a prophet that came upon the scene; but He is God’s very own Son. He is My Savior, who died and rose for me—Peter. PAUSE (move to another place).

With these two eyes (point) I saw my Savior on the Mountain. With these two ears (point) I heard the voice of God, and now with my own lips (point), I tell you of what I had seen and heard. Now I know why the Holy Spirit moved me to speak saying, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here...” because I was able to see Him as more than mere man. I saw God face-to-face and I lived. I was able to hear the voice of more than mere man, I heard the voice of God—a voice of love for sinners like me.

Today, I am among you telling you what I saw and what I heard. I tell you that Yeshua carried out a greater Exodus than the one Moses did—He split the rock on Good Friday; He exited from the tomb on Sunday. He appeared to us that evening. I tell you about it to strengthen your faith on the journey of life. I tell you of what I saw and heard so that you can be assured that same Rabbi Yeshua came to forgive YOUR sins too. I tell you of what I saw and heard so that you can be certain of the victory He has won for us—all of us (point to the people). I tell you of what I saw and heard so that you know for certain that someday you, too, will see God face-to-face and be with Him in the Paradise of heaven. But you don’t have to wait to go up to a mountain to see Him or to get to heaven to see Him, You see Him now. He comes to you right here and now in His living Word. He comes to you today even on the plain through His meal of bread and blood. And you can feel good for being here. For you too, have the Transfiguration of Christ before your very own eyes.

My dear friends, I tell you of what I saw and heard so that you too may tell others of my visit with you today about my Savior; God’s Son whose glory is brighter than any Palestinian sun could ever glow.

I saw. I heard. And today, I speak.

(Peter leaves quietly from the side door)