In this, the last week of
Epiphany, we see once again how the person and character of Jesus are made
manifest in the scriptures. Over this season we've seen how Jesus was
made manifest through his father’s declaration; we've seen how Jesus was made
manifest through the recognition of demons; and we've seen how Jesus was made
manifest through his power to heal with just a word. This week we journey
with Jesus, Peter, James, and John to the Mount of Transfiguration, where Jesus
is transfigured and the voice of God comes forth from the cloud declaring: “This
is my beloved son; listen to him.” (Mark 9:7)
The season of Epiphany is
bracketed by God’s own declaration making the person and character of Jesus
manifest as the Son of God – the long expected Christ. The first week of
Epiphany we journeyed with Jesus as he entered into the waters of the Jordan.
The skies opened up and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus. Then,
the voice of God called out from heaven: “You are my son; with you I am
well pleased.” (Mark 1:11) God the Father addressed his son
in that tender moment – thus revealing the true identity of Jesus. Still,
you can imagine that those around wondered: “Did we really hear that? Was
that thunder?” How simple it would have been to rationalize it away and
simply move on with your daily routine.
On the Mount of
Transfiguration, there was no way to rationalize the event or simply move on
with the disciples’ daily routines. Peter, James, and John were invited
by Jesus to go off and pray up on the mountain. There, scripture tells
us, Jesus was transfigured before their very eyes: “And he was
transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as
no one on earth could bleach them.” (Mark 9:2b-3) This
alone would have been miraculous – the laws of nature being suspended for the
benefit of man and the glory of God. However, God decides to put an even
finer point on it. Moses and Elijah – representing the Law and the
Prophets – appear alongside of Jesus, leaving no doubt that Jesus is the
fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets! “And there appeared to
them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.” (Mark 9:2-4)
Lastly, and in a way so as
to make things even more abundantly clear to the sometimes dimwitted disciples,
God himself speaks from the cloud, directly addressing Peter, James, and John: “This
is my beloved son; listen to him.” (Mark 9:7)
This season of Epiphany,
have you been open to the manifestation of Jesus? Have you met him at
home, while reading the scriptures in the quiet of your room? Have you
met him in the sermon at church? Have you met him as you've extended your
hand to receive the host, hearing those blessed words: “The body of Christ, the
bread of heaven?”
The Lord has blessed me
this season, and I can honestly say, “YES!” to all three of those, and many
more. Perhaps most poignantly for me, he made himself manifest these last
two weekends in the Leadership Retreats. I saw Jesus glorified in those
Vestries and Bishop’s Committees. I saw people excited about ministry,
and sometimes convicted by reality. I saw a recommitment on the part of
those men and women of the diocese, who rededicated themselves to bringing
people to Jesus.
Ultimately the question isn't, “Is Jesus being made manifest?” The question is, “How are we
responding to his being made manifest.”
I pray you every blessing
and peace as we conclude the season of Epiphany and begin the season of Lent.
Catechism Questions 73 - 75
73. What should
be your attitude as you await Jesus’ return?
I should anticipate with joy the
return of Jesus as the completion of my salvation. The promise of his return
encourages me to seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, to live a holy life,
and to share the hope of new life in Christ with others. (Titus 2:11-14)
74. How should
you understand Jesus’ future judgment?
When the Lord Jesus Christ
returns, the world as we know it will come to an end. All that is wrong will be
made right. All people who have died will be resurrected and, together with
those still living, will be judged by Jesus. Then each person will receive
either eternal rejection and punishment, or eternal blessing and welcome into
the fullness of life with God. (Matthew 25:31-46)
75. How should
you live in light of Jesus’ coming return for judgment?
Because I do not know when Jesus
will come, I must be ready to stand before him each and every day of my life, I
should eagerly seek to make him known to others, and I should encourage and
support the whole Church, as best I can, to live in readiness for his return.
(Matthew 25:1-13
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