{"id":979,"date":"2018-02-11T17:29:21","date_gmt":"2018-02-12T01:29:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/?p=979"},"modified":"2018-02-11T17:54:03","modified_gmt":"2018-02-12T01:54:03","slug":"the-transfiguration-a-promise-of-whats-to-come-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/2018\/02\/11\/the-transfiguration-a-promise-of-whats-to-come-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The Transfiguration&#8211; A Promise of What&#8217;s to Come!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><font color='black' size='2' face='arial'><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:WordDocument>   <w:View>Normal<\/w:View>   <w:Zoom>0<\/w:Zoom>   <w:TrackMoves\/>   <w:TrackFormatting\/>   <w:PunctuationKerning\/>   <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas\/>   <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false<\/w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false<\/w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false<\/w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:DoNotPromoteQF\/>   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\tfont-family:\"Calibri\",\"sans-serif\"; \tmso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; \tmso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-fareast-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; \tmso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; \tmso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-bidi-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} <\/style>\n\n <![endif]--><\/p>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;color:#212121\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-979-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Transfiguration-Sunday-1.mp3?_=1\" \/><source type=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/FILELINK?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Transfiguration-Sunday-1.mp3\">http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Transfiguration-Sunday-1.mp3<\/a><\/audio>&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Transfiguration Sunday<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">February 11, 2018<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Mark 9:2-9<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The Transfiguration\u2014<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">A Promise of What\u2019s to Come!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align:justify;tab-stops:13.5pt .5in 2.5in 238.5pt 337.5pt\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There he was transfigured before them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Peter said to Jesus, \u201cRabbi, it is good for us to be here.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Let us put up three shelters\u2014one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cThis is my Son, whom I love.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Listen to him!\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span>Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(NIV1984)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Are you familiar with a man by the name of Vinko Bogataj?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What if I told you that he was a world famous skier back in the 1970\u2019s?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What if I told you that he was a regular on the television show <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">The Wide World of Sports<\/i>?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now do you remember him?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>For several decades Jim McKay would open that show by saying, \u201cSpanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sport!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The thrill of victory\u2026and the agony of defeat!\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>While the words \u201cThe thrill of victory\u201d were illustrated with a variety of inspiring images over the course of the years, the words \u201cthe agony of defeat\u201d were linked with only one image\u2014 Vinko Bogataj coming down a ski jump, losing his balance, and tumbling spectacularly over the side of the jump.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Thankfully, he suffered only a concussion.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The words \u201cThe thrill of victory\u2026and the agony of defeat\u201d popped into my head as I was studying our sermon text for today.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Because I think those words might be a very accurate description of how Jesus\u2019 disciples were feeling just prior to the Transfiguration.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Think of all the amazing things the disciples had witnessed\u2014 from the changing of water into wine to the raising of Lazarus from the dead.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Think of all the amazing things the disciples had heard\u2014 from the parables which began with the words, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThe kingdom of heaven is like\u2026\u201d<\/i> to Jesus\u2019 glorious proclamation, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cI am the resurrection and the life\u2026.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As the self-appointed spokesman for the disciples Peter had just recently stepped forward and confidently confessed concerning Jesus, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cYou are the Christ, the Son of the living God\u201d<\/i> (Matthew 16:16).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span>From the perspective of Jesus\u2019 disciples they could see the possibility of a glorious thrilling victory on the horizon as Jesus now resolutely made His way to Jerusalem, the beloved City of God.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then it all came crashing down like Vinko Bogataj, didn\u2019t it. Jesus began to openly and plainly tell His disciples, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThe Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again\u201d<\/i> (Mark 8:31).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The agony of what appeared to be a complete and utter defeat was so unthinkable to Peter that he actually rebuked Jesus for even saying such a thing!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That\u2019s when Jesus had to correct Peter by saying, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cGet behind me Satan!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men\u201d<\/i> (Mark 8:33).<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">\u201cThe thrill of victory&#8230;and the agony of defeat.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Yes, my friends, I think those words may indeed be an accurate description of how the disciples were feeling\u2014 then came the Transfiguration!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">As you and I once again focus the eyes of our faith on a high mountain somewhere in Israel let\u2019s see how <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">The Transfiguration is Promise of What\u2019s to Come!<\/i><\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>First, let\u2019s see how the Transfiguration is a promise of what was to come for Jesus.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then let\u2019s see how the Transfiguration is a promise of what is to come for us.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Mark begins by placing before us one of the most extraordinary events recorded on the pages of Scripture.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He says, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cAfter six days <\/i>(i.e. six days after Jesus told His disciples that He must suffer and die) <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There he was transfigured before them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And there appeared before them, Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Peter, James and John had indeed seen Jesus\u2019 divine power in action on more than one occasion.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>All the miracles <u>proved<\/u> that Jesus is who He claims to be\u2014 the true Son of God who came into this world as the true Son of Man.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now, however, Peter, James and John were given the privilege of seeing Jesus\u2019 divine nature literally and visibly radiate forth from His human body!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Thirty years after the Transfiguration Peter would write, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cWe did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty\u201d<\/i> (2 Peter 1:16).<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">We can only imagine how \u201ccomfortable\u201d it must have felt for Jesus as His divine nature shone forth on the Mount of Transfiguration\u2014 especially since He knew the depth of the humiliation and the agony that was waiting for Him in Jerusalem.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But what I would like to focus on, my friends, are Mark\u2019s words, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cAnd there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What were they talking about?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Mark doesn\u2019t tell us\u2014 but Luke does!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In Luke 9:30 we are told, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cTwo men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus about His <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cdeparture, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What does this mean?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Since Moses is a representative of God\u2019s holy Law and since Elijah is a representative of God\u2019s powerful prophets were they talking to Jesus about how His death and resurrection were indeed <u>necessary<\/u> to fulfill the heavenly Father\u2019s Plan of Salvation for this world?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That\u2019s entirely possible!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Knowing what lay ahead for Jesus, knowing that Satan would undoubtedly step up his attacks against Jesus as Jesus makes His way to the cross,<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>it is definitely possible that Moses and Elijah were encouraging Jesus to stay focused\u2014 focused on why He came into this world, focused on the mission that He came into this world to accomplish.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(Pointing to the cross)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">At the same time, I can\u2019t help but wonder if Hebrews 12:2 might also give us a little insight into what Moses and Elijah were discussing with Jesus there on the Mount of Transfiguration.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Hebrews 12:2 says, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cLet us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">It could be that one of the goals of the Transfiguration was to remind Jesus of the promise of what was to come for Him!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This promise would include the fact that once Jesus had fulfilled His Father\u2019s Plan of Salvation for this world He would forever be worshiped and praised as <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cthe author and perfecter of our faith.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This promise would include the fact that once Jesus had fulfilled His Father\u2019s Plan of Salvation for this world He would return Home as the glorious Victor over sin, death and the devil and once again take His rightful place at <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cthe right hand of the throne of God.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This promise would include the fact that once Jesus had fulfilled His Father\u2019s Plan of Salvation for this world He would have the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cjoy\u201d<\/i> of welcoming us, His brothers and sisters, into the heavenly Father\u2019s home when it is time for our <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cdeparture\u201d<\/i> from this world.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>For me it is not difficult at all to envision that there on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses and Elijah were talking to Jesus about the promise of what was waiting for Him <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">after<\/b> His betrayal and arrest, <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">after<\/b> being mocked and spat upon, <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">after<\/b> the beating and the scourging, <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">after<\/b> His crucifixion and burial.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That\u2019s what I mean when I say that the Transfiguration was a promise of what was to come for Jesus.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">What about us?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>How does Jesus\u2019 Transfiguration serve as a promise of what\u2019s to come for us?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>One way to answer that question is to focus on the words, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThere he was transfigured before them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The Transfiguration assures us, reveals to us, promises us who Jesus of Nazareth <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">is<\/i><\/b>.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus is <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">not<\/b> just a teacher or a good example for us to follow.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">is<\/b> <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThe Christ, the Son of the living God.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus is <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">not<\/b> just a prophet.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">is <\/b>The Prophet.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In fact, He is the <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">only <\/b>Prophet concerning whom the heavenly Father has said, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThis is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When by the grace of God we are willing to take Scripture at face value the Transfiguration is indeed a promise of what\u2019s to come for us\u2014 in the sense that the Transfiguration promises us that the One who would soon be nailed to a cross <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">is<\/b> the Lamb of God who served as <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cthe atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world\u201d<\/i> (I John 2:2).<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">At the same time we can answer the question, \u201cHow does Jesus\u2019 Transfiguration give us a promise of what\u2019s to come,\u201d by looking at verse four of our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Mark writes, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cAnd there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Moses died some 1,400 years before the Transfiguration took place.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind some 850 years before the Transfiguration took place.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Yet, there they are on the Mount of Transfiguration, alive and well, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cin glorious splendor\u201d<\/i> as Luke tells us.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What does this reveal to us?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What does this promise to us?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It reveals to us that for a child of God the Transfiguration is a promise of what\u2019s to come <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">next<\/b>!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">When you or I bury a loved one, we are easily overwhelmed by the cold harsh reality of death.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The powerful grip of death brings home to us in a very personal way exactly what the apostle Paul was talking about when he said to the Corinthians, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThe body that is sown is perishable\u2026it is sown in dishonor\u2026it is sown in weakness\u201d<\/i> (I Corinthians 15:42-43).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But, my friends, the appearance of Moses and Elijah <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cin glorious splendor\u201d<\/i> on the Mount of Transfiguration assures us that our loved ones who died trusting in Jesus as their Savior are now living in the same <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cglorious splendor\u201d <\/i>that was given to Moses and Elijah!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So, as you and I grieve over the death of our loved ones the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ reminds us to also rejoice\u2014 rejoice in the glorious life they are now enjoying!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">At the same time, the Transfiguration is a promise of what\u2019s to come for you and for me.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Our life here on this earth is not always \u201cfun.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Our life here on this earth is not always \u201ceasy.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Our life here on this earth is all too often filled with pain and with sadness and with disappointment.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The Transfiguration both reminds us and enables us to lift up our eyes and look beyond the horizon of this world!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When the eyes of our faith are focused on Jesus who was <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ctransfigured\u201d<\/i> before the eyes of His disciples so that they could see His divine glory as His clothes became <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cdazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them,\u201d<\/i> when the eyes of our faith are able to see Moses and Elijah who appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cin glorious splendor,\u201d<\/i> then no matter what we encounter as we journey through this world we will always be able to smile knowing that the Transfiguration is indeed a glorious promise of what&#8217;s to come for us!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The phrase \u201cThe thrill of victory&#8230;and the agony of defeat\u201d will long be synonymous with names such as Vinko Bogataj and Jim McKay.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The phrase \u201cThe thrill of victory\u2026and the agony of defeat\u201d may also be an accurate description of how Peter, James and John were feeling\u2014 before the Transfiguration<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span>My prayer this morning is that as you and I prepare to step into the solemn season of Lent that we will let the light of the Transfiguration guide us along the way.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>See the Transfiguration as a promise of what\u2019s to come\u2014 both for Jesus as well as for us.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span>First, see the Transfiguration as a promise that that even though Jesus\u2019 suffering and death on the cross may have looked like the ultimate \u201cagony of defeat,\u201d in reality the cross gave to Jesus the thrill of an unparalleled victory as this world\u2019s only Savior from sin.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then, see the Transfiguration as a promise to us that even though our life here may at times feel like the \u201cagony of defeat\u201d what\u2019s waiting for us beyond the grave is also the unparalleled thrill of living eternally <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cin glorious splendor\u201d<\/i> in our heavenly Father\u2019s Home.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">To God be the glory!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Amen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\"><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<p> <\/font><\/p>\n<div class=\"postie-attachments\">Download sermon audio ::  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Transfiguration-Sunday-1.mp3\">Transfiguration-Sunday.MP3<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Transfiguration Sunday February 11, 2018 Mark 9:2-9 The Transfiguration\u2014 A Promise of What\u2019s to Come! &nbsp; After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone.&nbsp; There he was transfigured before them.&nbsp; His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-979","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sermon"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/979","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=979"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/979\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=979"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=979"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=979"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}