Transfiguration Sunday
Way before there was a “Transformation Tuesday,” the church had Transformation Sunday. In the traditional church year, the Sunday prior to Ash Wednesday directs our attention to the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration. The three books of Matthew (17:1-9), Mark (9:2-9), and Luke (9:28-36), known as the Synoptic Gospels, record what happens. Peter too reflects on it in one of his letters (2 Peter 1:16-21).
This event is not immediately prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection, but does seem to occur within the last year. As we follow the life of Jesus and His disciples, this invitation to Peter, James, and John is a highlight.
This week, Immersion blends this story with the spiritual discipline of fasting, something Jesus was known to do and which many christians choose to do in some capacity during the upcoming Lenten season that kicks off with Ash Wednesday.
Theme: Disciples Value Spiritual Disciplines
Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting to be seen
only by God.
~ Matthew 6:18
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
~ Jesus
Pondering Point
Does it sound scandalous to say God will reward one for fasting? While Jesus rebukes people over fasting for ungodly reasons, He also says that the Father rewards those who fast for right reasons. Note that in Matthew 6, Jesus speaks about the spiritual disciplines "when you give," "when you pray" and "when you fast" in direct succession. Most people would readily expect Christians to give and pray, but fasting has been notoriously absent. If Jesus can speak of these three alike, maybe fasting should get more consideration. Martin Luther found his prayer life was quickened when he fasted, which he apparently did often. With Lent on the horizon, we're spending this week looking at the spiritual discipline of fasting.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, knowing that you took fasting seriously both personally and for Your disciples, help me to find a place for it in my life as well. As the Spirit led You, I pray that He leads me as well -- that I might be in Your will in every capacity of my world: Body, mind, and spirit. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 130:1-8
- O LORD, out of the depths I call to you.
- O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be open to my pleas for mercy. - O LORD, who would be able to stand
if you kept a record of sins? - But with you there is forgiveness
so that you can be feared. - I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and with hope I wait for his word. - My soul waits for the LORD
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning. - O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
because with the LORD there is mercy
and with him there is unlimited forgiveness. - He will rescue Israel from all its sins.
Read the verses twice.
Mark words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk or write with God (journal) about those words. Ask Him to impress things on your heart and mind; expect responses.
Pondering Point
There is a sense of anticipation pervading Psalm 130. Though the Psalmist won’t claim blessings by merit, he holds out in hope for goodness from the Lord.
Journal Prompt:
These Words caught my attention:
Note: Year A of the Immersion: Pathway to Discipleship series includes a Psalm section each day. We have included a taste of that series as we prepare to head into Lent next week.