If you are like me you have those times on Sunday morning in worship where you are convinced the sermon was written and delivered just for you. I also have those moments often when reading Scripture that it is written for the very day and place I find myself in. I believe that is the power of the “living and active” word of God.
In Mark Chapter 9 Jesus again takes his 3 inner circle disciples and he leads them to a high mountain where Mark (who is not exactly mr detail) tells us that they were all alone. Here’s what happens next;
There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters–one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. Mark 9:2b-8
This is the well known “Transfiguration” of Jesus. Here in a moment Jesus changes his appearance. His rabbi garb is changed from it well worn road dust covered color to dazzling white. Notice Mark even has trouble describing how white they were.Then they are joined in their aloneness by Moses the Law Giver and Elijah the Prophet. Peter in an open mouth think later moment blurts out “This is so cool, lets make three shelters for you guys. We don’t know why he said this. Was it to prolong the moment? or what the appearance so frightening he wanted to shield himself from this event? It doesn’t matter. Just then one of the shortest yet most powerful sermons recorded in the Bible is preached from the clouds “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Here is the question to ponder today: Who was that sermon preached for? Were those words spoken as a lesson for the disciples? Were they spoken to Jesus as encouragement for what lied ahead? Were they spoken for the persecuted church who would first read these words? Were they spoken for me?
Ah the “living and active Word” I think they were spoken for me today. What do you think?
<>< Craig