Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. 2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. 4 Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” 6 The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. 7 Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus. 9 As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Matthew 17:1-9
Father of Glory,
Jesus face shone like the sun. The Light of the world, strengthened by You before the real storms would hit. Also encouraged by Moses and Elijah who could witness to Jesus the man. And Peter, James and John, two mere mortals, flabbergasted and terrified by what they saw fell flat face down! Jesus gives them a comforting touch and words to encourage to get them back on their feet. And all is back to normal.
Sometimes after a high spiritual moment we wonder if it really happened. Peter, James and John could talk to each other about it but had to keep it secret. I am not sure they really knew what Jesus was saying about the Son of Man being raised from the dead! We cannot always put it into words how we experience with Your Spirit. Sometimes it is a knowing or a feeling of words in our head telling us it will be alright or do do some specific thing. It feels like we are talking to ourselves. And we know we were not trying to think of those things. Or we are overwhelmed when someone prays for us or during a hymn we have sung a thousand times before. But we know You are with us.
We do not crave great occasions like seeing Moses and Elijah or would we like to? We would be so awe struck if Jesus appeared before us and like the disciples be flat on our faces.!!! But we thank You for the myriad ways You reassure us You are here with us. For the hundred and one little touches of that glory that light up our way from Your Son, the King of Kings and yet gentle Shepherd. And for telling us not to be afraid.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 2nd November 2025
Simply timeless
The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never.
I nothing lack if I am his,
and he is mine forever.
Where streams of living water flow,
my ransomed soul he leadeth;
and where the verdant pastures grow,
with food celestial feedeth.
Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed,
but yet in love he sought me;
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing, brought me.
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill,
with thee, dear Lord, beside me;
thy rod and staff my comfort still,
thy cross before to guide me.
Thou spread’st a table in my sight;
thy unction grace bestoweth;
and oh, what transport of delight
from thy pure chalice floweth!
And so through all the length of days,
thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
within thy house forever.
Lyrics: H W Baker