2007 Devotional Guide
for ELCA Congregation Councils and Committees

The Transfiguration — Challenged by Change
February 2007 by Margaret Payne

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. —Mark 9:2–3

One day on a mountaintop the disciples saw Jesus “in a new light.” We use that expression to describe an experience where all that we knew about a person was suddenly changed by an act or glance or insight that challenged us to rethink our former perceptions. Peter and James and John had been following Jesus with fierce loyalty but not yet with complete understanding. When they saw him “in a new light” they were both astonished and terrified.

Sometimes we are terrified by glimpses of new light that challenge our understanding of Jesus and the way that we are called to serve him. How can we tell the difference between a light that blinds us to truth and a light that reveals more about Jesus? It is tempting to close our eyes to any change or even to go running back down the mountain to the safety of the plain.

But God’s grace gives us the courage to step fully into the new light that Jesus brings into the world. Even if we are terrified of change, we can trust that God will guide us. Leaders are faithful stewards of change. They are looking for glimpses of God’s will for the church so that it can be a light for the world.

How do we lead by new light? God gives the answer later in the story of the transfiguration. A cloud covered the mountain and a voice came from the cloud saying: “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” The words of Jesus are our directional signals. We keep the Bible nearby at meetings because we need to refer to it regularly to let the words of Jesus guide us. Leaders are called to guide the church up to the mountaintop to peer into the dazzling light of Christ and then to travel by that light for the rest of the journey.

Prayer
Gracious God, you give us both comfort and challenge in the words and presence of Jesus. Teach us to engrave his words so deeply on our hearts and to live so fully in his light that we can lead God’s people through the changes and challenges in our world. Amen.

For Reflection or Discussion
What is one change happening in the ministry of our congregation? Which words of Jesus help us to know what we should do about it?

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