The Voice from the Cloud

Most of us live our lives by looking for a Heavenly Sign that we should (or shouldn’t) do/buy something. This weekend of Transfiguration reminds us that these Signs happen all the time, usually when we don’t expect them. Signs of transfiguration acknowledge our dependence on God’s provisions: they can’t be rationalized into business-as-usual. The Season of Epiphany concludes with a roar, as Jesus is revealed to be truly God on Earth.

Moses was called up Mt. Sinai, the mountain of God. (EXODUS 24:12-18) He was there a LOOONNNG time (40 days & 40 nights, just like the Flood; twice what you can count on your fingers AND toes!) And when he finally came down, his face was aglow, so much that his leaders made him wear a veil because his face was so bright. Talking with God will do that to you. Was this a Heavenly Sign? You bet.

2 PETER 1:16-22 helps us to remember the mountaintop experience of Peter, James & John. “We had been eyewitnesses to his majesty”. Peter’s main thrust here is to lift up the brightness of this Heavenly Sign: “You will do well to be attentive to this as a lamp shining in a dark place…” Jesus is the one who will illumine our present-day deeds of mercy, worship and outreach. Here is a call to remember who we are and what we are expected to be. Been on any mountaintops lately?

MATTHEW 17:1-9 is the Transfiguration story: Jesus took his closest friends to witness to them the conversation with the Law and the Prophets. For one thing, it gave Jesus credibility for being on the Team. For another, it showed them that God has the power and desire to be involved with earth-folk; and they were never the same. There are so many messages here (Peter wanting to build a box for God, to keep him handy and out of our hair), but today we focus on the Voice from the Cloud which announces Jesus as God’s Son, just as God did at Jesus’ baptism. Seems to me that there also was a cloud which spoke when Moses went to speak with God… The Voice said to Peter & Company, “keep listening to him”, which extends that mountain to our own.

These readings leave us with more questions than answers: “How does this apply to me? Does my own face glow after worship? Do I pay enough attention to the Law and the Prophets?” When you least expect it, God’s Holiness breaks upon you. “Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings; It is the Lord who rises with healing in His wings: When comforts are declining He grants the soul again A period of clear shining to cheer it after rain.”

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Come along and join the fun of talking about scriptures to be read on the upcoming weekend; at horacebrownking.com