Lent

February 28, 2021

Scripture Reading: Mark 9:2-9

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them anymore, but only Jesus. –Mark 9:2-8

How would we react if we encountered Jesus with Elijah and Moses? I have no idea what Peter, James, and John witnessed on that mountain. Something happened. Perhaps it was one of those aha moments where the light in their minds clicked on, and they moved more fully to understanding who Jesus was.

I do not think as a society, we deal well with the mysterious. Perhaps children and youth do. They have not been around enough to grow skeptical. Watching the way some adults act right now might be ending even childhood wisdom.  We need to reconnect with the mysterious because mystery is one aspect of faith. Faith is not concrete. It requires entering the realm of the not yet understood or known but is very real.

God Moves in a Mysterious Way was written in 1773 by William Cowper. Our ancestors in faith understood that there is that which cannot be understood. Here are his words:

God moves in a mysterious way,
    His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
    And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
    Of never failing skill;
He treasures up his bright designs,
    And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,
    The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
    In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
    But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
    He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
    Unfolding ev’ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
    But sweet will be the flow’r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
    And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
    And he will make it plain.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for sharing the mystery of your love that makes life plain. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.