Brothers and sisters, greetings to you in the name of our powerful and glorious Savior, Jesus Christ. In explaining the third petition of the Lord’s Prayer (Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven), Martin Luther wrote, “God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come.” And God’s will is also done “when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die.” So we regularly pray that God’s will would be done among us. I encourage you to attend worship this Sunday as another opportunity to take part in publicly observing God’s will.
Let me begin by reminding you of a few things. This coming Wednesday, March 5 is Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lenten season. I encourage you to attend the weekly midweek services leading up to Easter. The services are scheduled to start at 6:30 pm.
Please also make plans to attend this year’s German Sausage Dinner (GSD) scheduled for May 3rd, the first Saturday of the month. It helps us raise some funds to support God’s ministry here, but we hope you also enjoy the good food and music, and have opportunity to meet some new and old friends.
On Sunday March 2nd we will commemorate the Transfiguration of our Lord. Three of Jesus’ disciples were given a glimpse of Him in His divine glory. They are amazed as they also see and hear long gone Old Testament heroes Moses and Elijah talking to Jesus about His approaching departure. From that moment Jesus’ ministry would take a more direct path to Jerusalem where He would be crucified, resurrected, and ascended.
We will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 of 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 #414 ‘Tis Good Lord to Be Here.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 99:1-5, 9; Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Hebrews 3:1-6; and Luke 9:28-36.
Psalm 99 rejoices over the greatness of God. There is no one else like Him. We should be awed by His divine power and holiness. He rules with justice and righteousness. His reign extends over all things. Throughout history people have called on God. He disciplines but He also forgives. The writer of the psalm encourages each of us to join in worshipping and exalting God, thanking and praising Him for His gifts to us.
Deuteronomy 34 reports on the death of the Old Testament leader Moses. God had chosen him to lead the Israelites out of captivity and slavery in Egypt, through the trials of the Sinai desert, and to the promised land of Canaan. God takes Moses to the top of a mountain so that he might see into the Promised Land. But as punishment from God, he would not be allowed to enter. Years earlier, Moses had not acted in faith toward God at Meribah (Numbers 20:11-31). The people of Israel had been thirsty. God heard their cries and said He would bring water out of a rock. Rather than trusting the Word of God, Moses instead twice struck the rock with his staff. Even so, God had continued to sustain and guide Moses for many years and through many trials. When Moses died, God took care of his burial. You may find it surprising that even though Moses did not enter the Promised Land of Canaan during his earthly life, he was allowed to stand there with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Moses is often associated with Old Testament Law. Jesus has fulfilled the requirements of that Law for us, redeeming us, setting you free from the Law’s condemnations. Consider what that means for your eternal rest.
Moses is considered a great hero of the Old Testament. In Hebrews Chapter 3, using the image of a household, the argument is made that Jesus is far greater than Moses. It is true that Moses was a faithful servant in the house of God, but Jesus is the Son and owner and builder of the house. You and I (as the Church) are also members of His house as we trust in Him. Do not wait for some future day to follow Jesus. Tomorrow may not come. Consider the destruction of those rebellious Israelites who were unfaithful to God during the wilderness journey. Their unbelief excluded them from receiving the benefit of God’s promises.
The gospel lesson is St. Luke’s account of Jesus’ Transfiguration. Three of the apostles see Jesus metamorphose into dazzling light, and overhear His conversation with Moses and Elijah. These two Bible heroes represent the Law and the Prophets and their words which testify to Jesus. By the apostles’ report, we are given an image of the divine glory that belongs to Jesus. It is a glory largely hidden in the suffering He endured during His earthly ministry and in His crucifixion. But Jesus’ glory is revealed more fully in His resurrection and ascension. As we enter the season of Lent, we will be considering Jesus’ suffering and death and what that accomplished for us sinners. The Transfiguration is another epiphany that points us to the heavenly home Jesus is preparing for those who trust Him. Jesus reigns there even now in all glory and holiness. We should be comforted to know that He is in control of all things. Neither death nor the devil can stop Jesus from carrying out His saving work.
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 worship schedules or the Sunday lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
