Luke Chapter 9
 
The Transfiguration
   
HP 156  How good, Lord, to be here, Your Glory fills the night

Reading St Luke Chapter 9

The disciples are sent off preaching and healing and I wish we had  a report of what they said and did. They must have been astounded at the power given to them. And note: this was not a time for messing about, if rejected they moved on. Herod's confusion (vs 7 to 9) is understandable. But how could they preach if only Peter understood who Jesus was? (vs 18 to 20). Even then they slept through most of the transfiguration (vs 28 to 36). Meanwhile the other disciples left at the bottom of the mountain, couldn't heal the lad with an evil spirit. No wonder Jesus exclaims (vs 41) How long do I have to put up with you. How often must He say that of us!!  The disciples did not understand what he was saying about His death (vs 45) but we have no excuse. Nor for understanding that unless we welcome these least in His name (vs 46 to 48) and set our eyes firmly on following Jesus (vs 57 to 62) then:

We are of no use to Him.

The second hymn  sets out very clearly what is expected of us. Do read it through prayerfully:
HP 315  God's Spirit is in my heart. He has called me and set me apart.

Prayers: We use a prayer from the Methodist Prayer handbook written a thousand years ago by Hildergard of Bingen: Holy Spirit, Lord and giver of life, moving force of all things, root of all Creation, purifier of all that lives; remove from us all that stains our beauty, wipe away all our sins and anoint all our wounds; that, awakened by Your Spirit, our lives may shine forth Your praise; now and for ever. Amen

 


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