Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of Jesus. There is much talk about the Super Bowl this Sunday. For football fans it is the climax of the professional season. But as exciting as it may be, we know it is one of those things that is temporary and fading. I encourage you to come to church Sunday morning to hear God’s word and receive His Holy Supper for the forgiveness of sins. Through Jesus, God offers you a glorious life that is eternal and does not fade.
Set aside time to attend an Ash Wednesday service on the 14th. Consider your sin. From dust you came and to dust you will return. But consider also the great gift Jesus earned for you, paying for that sin by dying in your place. In Jesus your sin is forgiven by God the Father. Repent, and trust in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.
Please note, Pattison Methodist Church will host a blood drive on Sunday February 18th between 9am-3pm. Would you like to donate? More information about scheduling can be found on the Facebook page for Pattison United Methodist Church, or go online to giveblood.org.
On Sunday February 11th, we will celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus, following the liturgy of Divine Service 3 beginning on page 184 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #873 Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies; #874 O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright; #602 The Gifts Christ Freely Gives; and #807 When Morning Gilds the Skies.
Scripture texts assigned to the day are Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Kings 2:1-12; 2 Corinthians 3:12-13, 4:1-6; and Mark 9:2-9.
Psalm 50 is a song of Asaph, one of the Levites that King David appointed to lead music during worship (1 Chronicles 15). There is no explanation why, but this Asaph psalm is separated from a collection of Asaph psalms (73-83). Much of the psalm is a criticism against those who act and speak wickedly, slandering their brothers, and those who worship un-faithfully, offering their sacrifices without thanks. They are in danger of being torn apart by God. But the verses we will be reading are a bit different. Verses 1-6 allude to the power of God. There is a lot about God that is a mystery to us, His ways are beyond our understanding. We struggle to find words that describe Him. Verse 2 describes God as shining with beauty, a reference to His glory. Verse 4 speaks of His voice which calls out in judgment to people, and even heaven and the earth. God judges perfectly. He knows we are sinners, deserving condemnation. The “natural” response might be to run and hide from Him. But instead, God urges His faithful to gather (verse 5). Remember that God is merciful, faithful, and just, and He promise to forgive the sins of all who turn to Him.
The Old Testament reading is 2 Kings 2:1-12. The narrative tells of two prophets, Elijah and his dedicated student and replacement Elisha. Elijah travels from place to place as God prepares to assume him into heaven without dying. Elisha faithfully follows Elijah on his earthly journey until he is carried away by a whirlwind. As Elisha is separated from Elijah, he gets a glimpse of heavenly creatures. Something similar happens at Jesus’ Transfiguration. Disciples are shown a brief glimpse of heaven and Jesus is in His divine glory. We should faithfully follow Jesus by listening to His Word, trusting Him, and living according to His will.
The epistle lesson is a portion of St. Paul’s second letter to the congregation in Corinth, southern Greece. In Chapters 3 and 4 Paul explains and defends his apostolic ministry, proclaiming the gospel and teaching its application. In the gospel God offers the covenant promises that fulfill the covenant requirements of the law. The law of God points out what God requires of us, and threatens punishment when we fail. The law exposes our sinfulness and inability to accomplish the perfect obedience God requires. The Law therefore acts to accuse and condemn us. The gospel is the good news that Jesus keeps the law perfectly, and He does so on our behalf. Jesus’ rewards of obedience are credited to us; and the punishment we deserve was paid by Him. Speaking of God’s Law, Paul makes mention of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from God on Mt. Sinai centuries earlier. After being in the presence of God’s glory, Moses’ face was shining or glowing like a sunburn. People were afraid to approach Moses, so he put on a veil to hide his face and ease their concerns. Paul applies this image of a veil as a metaphor. Those who think they can keep the Law and it will save them have a veil that blinds them from seeing and grasping the gospel. They hear the Law and apply it in their lives like a checklist. They think they can earn salvation by their effort and doing the right thing. But the Law cannot save. Instead, those who turn to Jesus have the veil removed, that is, they see the severity of their sin and appreciate what Jesus has done for them. Paul urges people to take comfort in the gospel, trusting to Jesus for their salvation.
The gospel lesson is St. Mark’s account of Jesus’ Transfiguration. On a mountain top, Jesus suddenly changes in appearance, His clothing becoming radiant and intensely white. Moses and Elijah also appear, and talk to Jesus. Mark does not say what they are discussing. But Luke’s account of the event says they were talking about Jesus’ approaching departure. He was going to Jerusalem where He would be crucified, and three days later be raised from the dead. God the Father speaks from a cloud, once again identifying Jesus as His believed Son. And the disciples were given instruction to listen to Him. The Transfiguration is another revelation of Jesus’ divine identity and glory, and a brief glimpse into heaven. This vision came at an opportune time for the disciples, a short time before Jesus was crucified and taken away from them by death. As we enter the Lenten season, remember Jesus’ divine glory offered in sacrifice to pay for your sins. Listen to Jesus, especially His instruction about the kingdom of God and the promise of resurrection from the dead. Jesus is our comfort in this world, and our assurance of the world to come.
COLLECT: O Father God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshadowed 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, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
