Transfiguration Sunday
Scripture: Exodus
24:8-18
The Season of Epiphany ends with one more epiphany: The
Transfiguration, in which Jesus’ glory was revealed. That revelation included
the presence of Moses and Elijah, who spoke with Jesus. In today’s reading
Moses and the elders of Israel saw God’s glory and were welcomed to dine in
God’s presence. Moses, however, was summoned into God’s glory to receive
instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle. Similarly, in Jesus’
Transfiguration, God’s glory was revealed and he welcomed apostles into his
presence. Furthermore, just as God planned to dwell with Israel in a
tent/tabernacle, Peter offered to build tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.
Teaching
This reading begins with a strange and somewhat disgusting
event: Moses throwing blood on the people of Israel. In the chapters leading up
to this incident God gave the people his commands, this included the Ten
Commandments (Ex. 20), and many other rules were given to govern the lives of
the Israelites and their conduct. At the end of this giving of God’s law, the
people declared that they would do what God said (Ex. 24:3). The blood came
from sacrifices and peace offerings the people made to commemorate the
incredible event of God speaking to his people and teaching them his ways.
Throwing the blood on the people was a ritual to, in essence, seal the deal.
The people had committed to live within God’s covenant.
It is important to know that this event also leads into a detailed
description of the design of the Tabernacle, which was where God dwelled in the
midst of his people (Ex. 25:8). God’s desire is to be with his people. The
commands, the laws, the blood, the revelation of his glory in the form of cloud
and devouring fire all set the stage to prepare the people for God to dwell
among them.
Life
God does not change (Mal. 3:6). It is still his desire to
dwell among his people. He does not do this with cloud and fire anymore – at
least for now. Yet he does dwell with us. Jesus came and dwelled among us as
Immanuel – God with us. He sent his Spirit to fill believers, and he is present
in the Word and Sacraments where he delivers Jesus to us. He gives us faith and
forgiveness so that we may be with God now and forever. One day Jesus will
return in glory so that we may be with him in glory forever. He wants you to be
with him.
Meditate on this wonderful truth today: God dwells with us.
He welcomes you into his presence. You have been sealed in blood, as well. The
blood of Jesus cleanses you of your sin (1 Jn 1:7). What is more, you get to
eat and drink in God’s presence as the elders of Israel did when you receive
the Lord’s Supper, which is a foretaste of the feast to come. God dwells with
you in his Word, treasured in your heart, recalled in your mind, read on the
page, and heard with your ears. He welcomes you for Jesus’ sake. Enjoy his
presence!
Comments