Mark 8:27-9:8 - February 11, 2024 - Transfiguration

Today is the day everything changes. (Not to be dramatic or anything.) But today, as we delve into Mark’s Gospel, we encounter a pivotal moment where Jesus' true identity is revealed in a manner both dramatic and unmistakable. 

Jesus, surrounded by his disciples, pauses to ask a simple yet profound question, "Who do people say that I am?" It's a moment ripe with anticipation, a moment that sets the stage for a monumental confession. Peter steps forward, his voice filled with conviction, "You are the Messiah." With these words, the truth of Jesus' identity is boldly proclaimed, sending ripples through the story - both past, present, and future.

But before we can fully grasp the weight of Peter's confession, Jesus takes his disciples aside to teach them about what lies ahead — his impending suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. It's a sobering reminder of the paradoxical nature of Jesus' mission: to bring salvation through his death, not his victories; to bring life, not by conquering but through resurrection. 

And then, against the backdrop of Jesus' impending journey to Jerusalem, we head up to the mountaintop — a sacred space where heaven and earth converge. Here, in the presence of Peter, James, and John, Jesus is transfigured before their very eyes - an affirmation that what he told them just six days ago is indeed the truth. His appearance is transformed, his face shining like the sun, his clothes dazzling white. It's a moment of divine manifestation, a theophany, a glimpse of Jesus' true glory as the Son of God. This is God’s answer to the question, “Who do you say that I am?”

As if on cue, Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets, further affirming Jesus' continuity with Scripture and his role as the fulfillment of God's promises. The disciples are awe-struck, overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of what they are witnessing. “It is good for us to be here,” Peter says. And that’s the truth. It's a moment of revelation, a tangible expression of God's glory in their midst.

It’s the Transfiguration, where Jesus' divine nature shines forth, affirmed and endorsed by God the Father, and his authentic glory as the Son of God is unveiled and made manifest. The Transfiguration reveals God’s glory, and when God’s glory is revealed, people want to stay, to be close to Jesus. 

It serves as a moment of pause - to reflect and to anticipate - as we start to understand more.  We get the glory and validation of who Jesus is. 

The glory and the validation of who Jesus is. That’s what read about today, and that is what we yearn for a little bit more. We long to feel God, to see Jesus’ glory and radiance - in our spiritual journies and in our personal lives. We want Transfiguration moments, yet, so much in our lives obscures our view of God’s glory. 

It seems that we can’t help but notice the negatives. We’re faced with these things every day, all the time. Instead of a glimmer of hope shining through our world’s problems, we are inundated with rebukes. Instead of a twinkle of unity, we are forced to pick a side. Instead of letting divine things guide our hearts, minds, and actions, we oh-so love the human things - or at least we get trapped in our little boxes by the human things. We seek to see and feel God’s glory, yet it is veiled by the challenges and distractions of our daily lives. 

It’s no wonder we want to see a little glory, a little affirmation, a little hope. We want the validation, the affirmation, the promise to assure us. We want “It is good to be here” moments. Outside of that, we’re just grasping for answers in a world filled with misplaced priorities. 

Yet, even when we don’t recognize it, the Good News is that God’s glory does indeed show up in our lives. It breaks through the clouds of doubt and despair, shining forth in unexpected ways to remind us of presence and promise. And the thing is, we often fail to take notice - even when God’s glory consistently shows up. 

So, let’s go through some reminders for you that God’s glory is indeed all around us. 

One of the most obvious and awe-inspiring ways is through creation - what God has made for us to enjoy. The ocean at sunrise (or almost anytime) gives a glimpse of God’s grandeur. Got toes in the sand? “It is good for us to be here.” Mountain views, looking out for miles over a range of hills and valleys speaks to the beauty and creativity of our Creator. These moments give us a peek of God’s power and presence in the world around us. 

Personally, sometimes we get that lightbulb moment - those times when Christ illuminates our hearts and minds, revealing something to us - about ourselves, about our faith, about our relationship with God or another. There are those answered prayers, those perfect, poignant moments of awe and wonder, where we just know that God’s glory is present - guiding, comforting, and empowering us onward. We know it is good for us to be right where we are.

God’s glory is seen in acts of service and justice that alleviate suffering, hunger, houseless-ness, and more. On this Souper Bowl of Caring, that’s what we aim to do - reveal God’s glory through helping people in need. As we serve, as we give, God’s glory is reflected around the Grand Strand, because those who are hungry are fed. Those who need support receive it. It is good for people to be cared for. 

Camp can be life-changing. Lutheridge is that place for me. Not only do I enjoy being there, not only did I meet my wife there, not only do I have some of my best friends because of camp, but God worked on me there - maybe smacked me around some, but definitely gave me a sense of grace and love. Camp was a place where I leaned into my baptismal calling, and without that, I wouldn’t be standing here today. It is good for us to be called. 

God’s glory shows up in the simple - in ordinary bread and wine, to fill us and feed us, to nourish our stomachs and our souls, to forgive us and grace us once again. It is good for us to eat and drink and proclaim the Good news of God. 

And the thing is, even with all that, we still often fail to notice, which is why we come here, why we worship. We long for the reminders and to be shown once again the glory of God. And through the sanctuary renovations, God’s glory will shine even more brightly in worship and welcome. That window gives a wonderful, awe-inspiring sense of God’s beauty, brightness, and splendor. It being the focus will fundamentally change the feeling of this space as soon as one walks in. 

But Church is more than a building; the Church is people, relationships, and community. Connections with people help us feel connected with God. So, having that type of space for people and community to gather easily, quickly, and informally is yet another reminder of God’s presence, God welcoming, and God bringing us together for grace, love, and hope. We strive to continue be a place where God’s welcome makes everyone feel, “It is good for us to be here.”

The Transfiguration shows us God’s glory, and because of God’s glory seen in Jesus the Messiah, everything changes. It changes our world, it changes us, it changes death forever. And in those moments of creation and service and worship, of lightbulbs and community and communion, we are in the presence of Jesus the Christ. And when that presence is felt, when we recognize God's glory shining around us, we echo Peter's sentiment: "It is good for us to be here." For in those moments, we are reminded of God's unwavering love, the promise of redemption, and Christ’s presence with us always. 

So, as we continue our journey, may we go with the assurance that God's glory surrounds us, guides us, sustains us, and transforms us each step of the way. Amen.