For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:16-21
Christians often say that we are an Easter people! The point is that we live each day in hope on account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. However, we can also say with confidence that we are an Epiphany people. The emphasis of the Epiphany season is the revelation of Jesus to the Magi, through His miracles, and even His Transfiguration. However, we are an Epiphany people because Jesus is still revealed among us as His word is proclaimed. Through the divinely inspired Word of God, the Father reveals His Son in every season and every age.
When Peter describes the Transfiguration, he is God’s chosen instrument through which Jesus is revealed through the written Word. As the Word of God is preached and taught among us, God also reveals Himself to us still today, as a lamp shining in a dark place, a light for all nations.
As the saints of God observe the Transfiguration of our Lord this Sunday and prepare for the beginning of our Lenten journey, it is good for us to remember and give thanks to God for His revelation of Jesus through the Holy Scriptures. In these dark and latter days, we would do well to pay attention to this prophetic Word, so that our lives would be conformed by it. It is also good to be reminded of the Epiphany emphasis of the Gospel being for all nations as our congregations and saints bear witness to Jesus in our daily lives. Finally, may we truly be an Epiphany people as we wait on Jesus, the bright Morningstar to return in glory soon!
Prayer - O God, in the glorious Transfiguration of your beloved Son you confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud you wonderfully foreshadowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in his glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan