Last Sunday After Epiphany(Transfiguration Sunday, Year C)
Unifying Theme: |
||
| Scripture | Theme | Hymns |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus 34:29-35 | Receiving God's promise--one bite at a time! | 374: Standing on the
Promises 396: O Jesus, I Have Promised 397: I Need Thee Every Hour 707: Hymn of Promise |
| Psalm 99 | God "does right" by His people. | 130: God Will Take Care of
You 340: Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy |
| Luke 9:28-36, (37-43) | This is no prophet--this is Christ. Listen to Him! | 260: Christ, Upon the Mountain
Peak 559: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation |
| 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 | God's promise is made clear in Christ. | 372: How Can We Sinners
Know 525: We'll Understand It Better By and By 610: We Know That Christ Is Raised 714: I Know Whom I Have Believed |
Transfiguration Sunday. The scriptures tell of a miraculous transfiguration event on a mountain side in the Holy Land. Jesus was with a few of his disciples. Without warning, Jesus was joined by Moses and Elijah--two of the greatest leaders in the history of Israel, and no one had seen either of them die. It was so spectacular that Peter made plans right away to set up buildings to keep the show going eternally. But that wasn't God's plan. God spoke from the heavens and told Peter to stop making plans. God had made the plans. Jesus knew the plans. Step one of the plan--listen to Jesus.
As much as the transfiguration could have transformed Peter all by itself, there was a bigger transformation in store for him. The transformation that God had in mind had nothing to do with new buildings. Instead, if he would just listen to God, Peter was going to be transformed in his ears, in his mind, and in his heart--a transfiguration of his own soul.
This week's featured hymn was written by John E. Bode in celebration of the confirmation of his children. Confirmation observes a transformation in the life of a Christian. Just as Peter was transformed through the Word of God and the witness of the prophets, we experience a transformation upon our public confirmation of faith. As you read the words of this great hymn, remember that God has a plan. He has made wonderful promises to you, and He is keeping them day by day by day. You have made a promise that is just as precious to God. Keep your promise to God--keep it day by day by day.
| 1. O Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; be thou forever near me, my Master and my friend. I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side, nor wander from the pathway if thou wilt be my guide. |
2. O let me feel thee near me! The world is ever near; I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear; my foes are ever near me, around me and within; but Jesus, draw thou nearer, and shield my soul from sin. |
| 3. O let me hear thee speaking in accents clear and still, above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self-will. O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control; O speak, and make me listen, thou guardian of my soul. |
4. O Jesus, thou hast promised to all who follow thee that where thou art in glory there shall thy servant be. And Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; O give me grace to follow, my Master and my Friend. |
Don't fear the battle. Don't be distracted. Listen to Jesus. He is the Master. He wants to be our friend.
God bless you--
Lection at HymnSite.com
God bless you!
| Passages suggested are from The Revised Common Lectionary: Consultation on Common Texts (Abingdon Press, 1992) copyright © by the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), P.O. Box 340003, Room 381, Nashville TN 37203-0003. Reprinted with permission of CCT. |