Lent Week 4—Friday
Psalm 102 Exodus 2:1-22 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3 Mark 9:2-13
Transfiguration! As I was deciding which reading to use for my Lenten Meditation, I, more than once, rejected Mark 9 as being a passage of which, like the disciples, was impossible to wrap my mind around and of one that I was not qualified to explain. I was, however, drawn to Peter, James, and John and their bewilderment and search for understanding of Jesus and the fact that He was not the Messiah that they were expecting. “The Son of Man must suffer and be rejected.” “Whoever wants to save his life must lose it.” Then going to the top of the mountain with their notions of a Messiah and witnessing the affirmation by Moses, Elijah, and God of Jesus as the Savior. Fortunately, you and I have the blessing of being able to look back through the resurrection to make sense of Mark’s Gospel and of Jesus’ ministry. They did not!
“I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” Peter, James, and John wondering about Jesus as the Messiah are given a future taste of Jesus as God’s own. Not understanding fully what lies ahead but commanded to listen and follow. Questions of uncertainty, of fear, of darkness, of suffering and even of death will, with the Holy Ghost, lead them to knowledge of God’s truth. From our post-resurrection knowing, we cheer them on! Yes, Jesus is your Lord whom you have been anticipating. Yes, he will suffer and die for you. Stay with him! Listen to him! Learn and be empowered by the Holy Spirit. Thank you, for our sakes, for your faith, of not understanding fully but of your continued walk of faith in Jesus.
Faithful followers, may we, too, believe when believing is difficult. May we follow in faith. May we have the faith to listen.
John R. Scheel, Jr.
The Carpenter's Nail 