O God, by the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In that voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshowed 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 the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
The man, fellow I know who told me this story, saw a familiar face at the gathering and noticed an empty seat at the table, so he sat there, near this individual whom he knew. He had known this man for some time. The gathering was a celebration, an annual affair where the local community honored a man or woman who had made significant contributions to the welfare of that place. It was always a revelation who it would be and the speaker always played it up a little. One never knew who the honoree was prior to the committee revealing it at this dinner. Everyone always came wondering who the “man or woman of the year” would be.
The big moment came, they described the significant contribution of this man to the community. He had helped youth and adults. He had served on committees and volunteered many hundreds of hours. Then the name was announced – it was this fellow he had seen across the room. He thought he had known him. He thought he was a good fellow who did a few things, but he had no idea all that this man had been doing in the community. He watched in stunned amazement as the recipient of the award made his way to the podium to accept his award.
This week God has revealed for us that the humble carpenter and itinerant preacher of Nazareth is none other than the Lord of the Universe, the Creator of everything, the Beloved Son of God. Does it surprise you? Probably not. You have grown accustomed to this message. That in itself is a good thing too. It is good to know this story so well. But there is also merit to being surprised by this anew, to having this stunning announcement stun us once more.
On a mountain, before three of Jesus’ disciples, God revealed Jesus for who he has always been and will always be, the glorious Son of God, brilliant and filled with light. He is attended to by famous prophets and angels alike. He is a very big deal indeed. Remember that as we had forward from this week into the season of Lent and Holy Week. Remember that when he hangs dead and crushed on that cross. Remember that as they lay Him in the tomb and He is so very dead. Remember who it is who has given Himself for you.