Today is recognized as the Feast of the Transfiguration in most of the Christian Church. We recently looked at Luke’s account.
Luke 11:27-28 | Revelation 3:1-6
It’s not that what she said was wrong. (We know Mary indeed felt blessed to be Jesus’ mother.
It’s just that Jesus had a greater point.
We can get lost in the presumptions of humanity. Sometimes, it just leads to apathy or inaction. Sometimes, it leads to worse.
Our prayerful hope is to live within God’s word and practice.
Luke 11:27-28
While Jesus was saying these things, a certain woman in the crowd spoke up: “Happy is the mother who gave birth to you and who nursed you.”
But he said, “Happy rather are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”
Revelation 3:1-6
Write this to the angel of the church in Sardis:
These are the words of the one who holds God’s seven spirits and the seven stars: I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, and you are in fact dead. Wake up and strengthen whatever you have left, teetering on the brink of death, for I’ve found that your works are far from complete in the eyes of my God. So remember what you received and heard. Hold on to it and change your hearts and lives. If you don’t wake up, I will come like a thief, and you won’t know what time I will come upon you. But you do have a few people in Sardis who haven’t stained their clothing. They will walk with me clothed in white because they are worthy. Those who emerge victorious will wear white clothing like this. I won’t scratch out their names from the scroll of life, but will declare their names in the presence of my Father and his angels. If you can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
Prayer
God,
There are a lot of things in the world: ideas, opportunities, evil, destructive behaviors, options. It can be overwhelming!
Help us to do the next right thing.
Give us recognition for your love at work, that we might choose to live within it.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.