Change

March 16, 2014

Opening Hymns:
368 My Hope is Built http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh368.sht

Scripture Reading:
17:1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.

17:2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.

17:3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.

17:4 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

17:5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"

17:6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear.

17:7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid."

17:8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

17:9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

Message:
Sometimes I find myself trying to keep things just the way they are. I don’t like change, and historically have tried to avoid change at any cost. In this verse Peter is the one who doesn’t want things to change either. He is with Jesus, and sees Moses and Elijah appear. He wants to build dwellings. He doesn’t want this moment to end! Later on when Jesus foretells His Death and resurrection Peter states “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’” (Mathew 16:22-23). Peter didn’t want to lose Jesus, but in wanting him to stay on earth he was actually unintentionally trying to prevent the greatest victory over sin and death.

Sometimes it’s hard for me to accept that being stagnant can be a bad thing. There is no room to grow and develop into a closer follower of Christ. I find myself clinging to moments that I’ve shared with God in the past so hard that it can lessen the beauty of the here and now, and the adventure that it yet to come. Peter sees the glory of God, and does not want to let that moment slip away. But there is something more miraculous down the road that he can’t see. It is true for you and me as well. What things are you clinging on to? How can you let change enter in and transform your life? If you like me have a hard time with change this might give you peace. God loves you and forgives all your sins… and that will never change.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for all the beautiful changes that you have made in our lives. Let us continue to change and grow closer to You. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
369 Blessed Assurance http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh369.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God