Sermon Series on Jesus During the Season of Lent
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white... 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."
Well it is official, I was installed as the pastor of Peace and Grue by Bishop Bill Tesch on Transfiguration Sunday, February 23, 2020. It has been sixteen years since I last stood before a congregation and promised to "...preach and teach in accordance with the holy scriptures and with the confessions of the Lutheran church", to be "...diligent in [my] study of the holy scriptures and faithful in [my] use of the means of grace", to "... love, serve, and pray for God's people, nourish them with the word and sacraments, and lead them by [my] own example if faithful service and holy living," and to "...give faithful witness in the world that God's love may be known..."
I find these words humbling as I responded, "I will, and I ask God to help me," And also empowering as I heard the congregations promise to... receive [me] as a messenger of Jesus Christ...and to "regard [me] as...a steward of the mysteries of God", to pray for me, and to "help and honor [me] in carrying out this ministry...[living] together in the peace and unity of Christ."
I appreciated Bishop Bill's message that while it may be tempting to jump right in and do something, like Peter wanted to make three dwellings, it is also important to take some time and listen for God's nice about where it is that he is leading us. The cake provided by Peace and the lunch at Grue were delicious and a great way to conclude our celebration.
Speaking of concluding, Transfiguration Sunday concludes the season of Epiphany. However, the image of Christ, the light revealed to the world, ever fades. These images of light are ours to share.
What images will we share to shine Christ's light throughout the world? How will we let our lights shine in both words and service? The season of Epiphany ends. However, Jesus' call for us continues: to let our light shine and so glorify our Father in heaven.
May our light from Jesus shine everywhere we go! Let it shine!
~(Officially) Pastor Dan