September 23, 2012

    Embraced by The Brotherhood of God     

Luke 9: 28 - 36

Luke

About eight days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a mountain to pray.  And as he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothing became dazzling white.  Then two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared and began talking with Jesus.  They were glorious to see.  And they were speaking of how he was about to fulfill God's plan by dying in Jerusalem. 

Peter and the others were very drowsy and had fallen asleep.  Now they woke up and saw Jesus' glory and the two men standing with him.  As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter, not even knowing what he was saying, blurted out, "Master, this is wonderful!  We will make three shrines - one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."  But even as he was saying this, a cloud came over them, and terror gripped them as it covered them.

Then a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, my Chosen One.  Listen to him."  When the voice died away, Jesus was there alone.  They didn't tell anyone what they had seen until long after this happened.

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Thoughts.....

Good day!

There are three references for the scripture today, Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13 and Luke.  Luke's seems to be the most brief.  And you will notice a couple days difference in the time line.  None of the men reporting the event were actually there, so don't be concerned about the time line...it's close enough.  Also, the majority of the Bibles title this reference as 'The Transfiguration'.  That merely applies to his bodily appearance changing, as well as his garments to glorious and dazzling.  There is so much more to this story than just that.  Let's begin.

The story unfolds 6-8 days after Jesus informs a crowd that the Kingdom of God would be ushered in before their death.  Jesus takes Peter, James, and John, to a mountain to pray.  The latter two we may presume are the brothers of the sons of Zebedee, but James could be the son of Alphaeus.  Not important really, just making note. 

As Jesus was praying, his face and clothing changed.  Matthew tells us 'his face shone like the sun, and his clothing became dazzling white."  Mark notes 'Jesus appearance changed, and his clothing became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly process could ever make it.'  Hence the 'transfiguration'.  In Greek the term is 'metamorphoo'.  It means changed in form, transformed, transfigured.   

This is where it gets interesting to me.  Not that Jesus 'morphing' into a glorious being isn't, but the rest of the story adds even more compelling info.  Then Moses and Elijah appeared.  Out of nowhere.  They just showed up.  Like Jesus did to the guys on the road to Damascus.  Poof.  They poofed and unpoofed.  Let's stay on the poofed part.

So these guys, the prophets of old....who had died.....Moses and Elijah, didn't just 'appear', they appeared and talked.  Kind of a Bruce Willis thing, if you saw the movie the name of which I can't recall.  I guess they must have introduced themselves, how else would Peter, James and John know who they were?  I'm guessing Jesus knew....he knew everything.  I'm not sure I can see them shaking hands all around. 

Scripture tells us they were glorious to see.  From a scriptural standpoint that kinda means they glowed....like Jesus at that point.  I don't know about you, but I might be a little 'wow-ed', if 3 guys in front of me suddenly started glowing luminous.  And to hear them talking.....I might be pinching myself to see if I am alive and awake.  I'm glad God chose others to see this.  Had it been just one person, I might consider them one of those who needed Jesus to heal them....mentally.  Interesting tho' that none of those wrote about it, but apparently told about it later. 

Okay, so Moses and Elijah were speaking of how Jesus was about to fulfill God's plan by dying in Jerusalem.  I find this precious.  Ok....so a group of guys....maybe not precious.  How about embracing?  Fortifying?  Anyway....here is Jesus, trying to live his life as God directs him.  He is going to die and he knows it....probably how.  And God sends them, or they care enough to reach out in brotherhood to maybe act as a support system.  After all, they, too, were prophets who went through MANY trials before God called them home to heaven.  I suspect they were there, not necessarily to impart the info that he was going to die and how, but, in brotherly love (the precious part) to help him get through it all emotionally, mentally.  He needed affirmation.  And then his Father gave him affirmation and more. 

A voice from a cloud said, "This is my Son, my Chosen One.  Listen to him."  Matthew states the voice said, "This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him.  Listen to him."  Mark just indicates he was a beloved son to whom they should listen.  How affirming to hear your Father tell others that he is pleased with his son.  And the importance of God saying, "Listen to him."  Remember, God did this when Jesus was baptized.  So this is the second time he has called him his Son....beloved at that.  Now he confirms they/we are to listen to him.   

Peter, James and John must have needed to hear that.  The world needed to hear that, but they were not allowed to tell.   

Perhaps Jesus was going through what we all go through....doubts.  Was he on the right path, was God, his Father, SURE this is what he wanted for Jesus to do, was he really hearing right, doing the right things?  Did his Daddy REALLY want him to die on a cross for a bunch of yokels he did not even know?  Ummmm, well, he knows us all now. 

So the guys came down to commiserate with him....'they'd been there done that', of sorts, so to speak.  They knew what it was like to follow the path of God.  The torment, aloneness, suffering, wandering.  But also the victory.  I'm sure they shared all that and more with Jesus.  They probably told him he was doing the right thing, it would all be worth it in the end, just stay on the path and 'keep on keeping on'.  They probably embraced his pain, the emptiness in being alone although in a crowd.  They probably knew his fears, experienced his tears.  And told him many were praying for and with him. 

And did his Daddy WANT him to die on a cross, or was it Satan's final attempt at trying to destroy Jesus, and, God would make all things right by making it mean something, not just for Jesus, but for the world?  Hmmmmmm.  Things to think about. 

Luke indicates that Peter, James and John had fallen asleep and awoke to find the prophets there.  This is the only reference to this.  We also are not told by Luke what was discussed between Jesus, Moses and Elijah....that Jesus was to die in Jerusalem.  Matthew and Mark allude to learning something, but this is not confirmed, other than to 'Listen to him'...Jesus.  Although they do ask questions later, implying they may have heard something.  Jesus clearly indicates in Matthew and Mark that he told Peter, James, and John not to tell what they SAW.  No mention was made by Jesus about what they heard, indicating they may not have heard anything, other than God's voice with directive.....maybe because they were asleep....or somehow spiritually overcome, or covered, if you will.  Or just not able to hear due to lack of faith.....or because the message was intended merely for Jesus.  As examples of this in todays world, in the appearances of Mary, Mother of God, some hear, some do not.  Some see, some do not.  Just because all do not see or hear, does not mean she is not present or not speaking.  The same is true for those to whom Jesus is reported as appearing. 

The same can be true for those who have lost loved ones who have reported that their loved ones have returned to them in spirit after their death.  There are 'kazillions' of those stories.  Or of stories of angels among us. 

Or maybe they heard it all and it was still so astounding so many years later, that they only gave the basics, when they wrote the Gospels.  Jesus never told them not to tell what they heard.           

Back on track, as 'the voice', God, spoke....from a cloud.....Peter was freaking and blurts out that they would make 3 shrines....   one for each of them.  Apparently he was 'bedazzled'.  Matthew tells us the disciples were terrified when the cloud showed up and they fell face down on the ground....due to it being the voice of God....out of respect, honor, worship, humility most probably.  But as the voice died away, the cloud left, and Moses and Elijah were gone.  Gone, as in aphantos....vanished.  That left only Jesus and the disciples.  Now, were Moses and Elijah there in spirit form or bodily form?  Can spirit take on bodily form?  Apparently, yes, because we've seen how Jesus did it already.  Amazing stuff goes on in the Kingdom of God.  This stuff wins hands down over Bruce Willis' movie.  Sorry fans.  This is real life stuff.  This is documented history of actual events as they happened, when they happened in history.  And Jesus said we will do even more miraculous things than he.  Hold on....your life could be a hek of a ride.....if you are in the Kingdom of God.  I'm thinkin' I hope things stay rather bland for my life.....I'm not certain how I would react if the guys showed up in my life.  Bathroom? 

Okay, so moving along, Luke tells us that 'they didn't tell anyone what they had seen until long after this happened.  And his documentation ends there.  In Matthew we learn that Jesus said, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen until I, the Son of Man, have been raised from the dead."  Mark doesn't quote Jesus as Matthew did, but tells us that they were told the same.  Clearly, Mark indicates they didn't understand what Jesus meant about 'rising from the dead'. 

In Matthew (and Mark) the disciples present ask Jesus "Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messisah comes?"  Matthew again quotes Jesus replying, "Elijah in indeed coming first to set everything in order.  But I tell you, he has already come, but he wasn't recognized, and he was badly mistreated.  And soon the Son of Man will also suffer at their hands."  Matthew tells us also, that the disciples realized he had been speaking of John the Baptist.  Mark quotes Jesus as responding, "Elijah is indeed coming first to set everything in order.  Why then is it written in the Scriptures that the Son of Man must suffer and be treated with utter contempt?   But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and he was badly mistreated, just as the Scriptures predicted."  There is no mention in Mark of Elijah being 'reincarnated' as John.  I know there is turmoil in the term 'reincarnated', but I am at a loss as to what to call it otherwise.  Sorry.  It sure seems that is what Jesus is indicating based on my finite mind and wimpy vocabulary. 

I find it interesting that in Mark, Jesus throws in the statement about himself suffering and being treated with utter contempt. It sure seems that he is not happy about his path at this point.  Who can blame him?  He's about to die, hanging on a cross, with nails pounded into him.  He wonders why.  He resents the reasons maybe.  For people who don't care....or even for those that SAY they do?  I sure wouldn't blame him at this point for being upset, unhappy.  He wonders why if Elijah is coming first to set everything in order, he has to come and live in chaos and pain, and suffer....it doesn't seem like it implies ANY order.   

Many is the time all of us have not been happy, we've been upset about our path....on our terms or God's.  But it is our path.  We can choose to be upset about it, or we can accept it, be proactive, follow through, and move on.  We can look at the glass as half empty or half full.  But even at half empty, we are at the top of the glass and almost out.  Positive or negative.  How we see something as simple as that can determine our destiny, if and how we reach goals, approach life, succeed or fail.  OBviously, Jesus knew he was almost 'out of the glass'.  He knew what he had to do....persevere to the end.  It makes sense why Moses and Elijah went to him.  Why they embraced him in brotherhood for the painful journey.  It's what all of us need to do for one another....be there. 

Whether we are a stepping stone, staying in someone's life for only a positive word, brief embrace, or, we join for the long haul.... be there.  Everyone has troubles.  Sometimes ours can be made lighter by walking into another's and seeing their pain, stress, trauma.....life.  And open your own doors.  Someone will care....somewhere.....if even just the cashier at the store.  Hopefully you will have Christians to surround you where you are.  But if not, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit are ALWAYS there and always care.  You are never truly alone, though you may feel it at times.  The lack of human touch in that friendly hug, the voices missing around the dinner table can be pretty profound.  I know.  And I'm sorry if you are experiencing that.  But know that in the heart of everyone beats God's heart, whether they, or you, let him in or not.

God gave you life.  He wants you to have a new birth, a rebirth, if you will.  He wants to not just be the maker of your heart, but live in your heart.  So you can be to others, what you need most....a friend.  In giving, we receive.  Won't you open the door of your heart today to God, Jesus and Holy Spirit?  Ask them to come into your heart.  When they do, you will never be alone.  You will be filled with a love so great you will not be able to contain it.  And you will want to reach out to other Christians....as you do....you will receive God's love through them.  As a Promise Child in the Kingdom of God, you will be a part of a brotherhood and sisterhood of God.  Not only will you have God, Jesus and Holy Spirit within and by your side...always....but you will have others who will care and help when you call.  Only those who are truly Christians will understand your plight and arise to answer God's call to help. 

If you are already a Christian, look around you.  The need is great....the workers are few.  Step into your community to see where you can bolster someone's convictions, heal hearts, mend minds.  Embrace by the brotherhood or sisterhood of God, and in doing so, you will be embraced.  And hold on, because Satan is doing awful negative things in the world right now, while God is doing astoundingly wonderful positive things in the world.  Become a part of the way of life designed by God.....take the high road....the positive path.....invite God, Jesus, Holy Spirit into your life today.                        

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Let Us Pray

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, todays lesson sure had some weird stuff in it.  I am totally sure you are all things and in all things, and you are wonderful.  But some of the stuff that happens is weird sometimes.  I know I have a finite mind, but I am sincerely trying to grasp all things of you and that means I must embrace an infinite understanding.  Just know that for major surprises, please have a bathroom near.  I love you, and with all my heart I would love for you to appear to me, beyond hearing your voice, feeling your touch of love through others.  I know you have a plan for my life, like you had for Jesus.  I know that someday I am going to die, and I pray that you will be there to receive me.....that I have been obedient to you and your word.....worthy of the opportunity you have set before me, to be able to go to heaven.  In the meantime, the journey has been hard....is hard.  PLEASE let me know if you are pleased or not.  PLEASE let me know what I am supposed to do to stay on the journey WITH you.  I do not ever want to lose you.  Send other Christians to surround me to build me up, as you sent those who had walked a similar path as Jesus.  The road is long....with many winding turns.  Let someone say about me, as I've said about many, 'he ain't heavy, he's my brother'....she's my sister.  Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.  Forgive me, please.  And grant me your peace, love, joy, wisdom and understanding......and so much more....to do the tasks you've set before me.  I am so excited to be on this journey with you.....because you are there with me.  The journey itself....some days....not so much.  But I am honored you've chosen me to walk with you, and for you.  Thank you.....from all I have within me.....thank you.  Don't leave me now.  I need you now more than ever.  And I love you.  Thanks for always being there, making me, dying for me, taking care of me.  I am extremely grateful.  Bowing down, Lord, bowing down.  Amen.        

Lord,LordJesJeJeJJjEJJJ     JJThe LORD is king!  Let the nations tremble!  T***

More love.... 

  Benediction....Blessing

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!   

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If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regularly to us, or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

 to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

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  Our Current Cause

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart.  

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you! 

BesidesBesid   

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    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided. 

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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