Loading more...
When Jesus Moves In: An Advent Reflection
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. —John 1:14, The Message When Read More
Kristin G. Stoneking | Read 2 Kings 2:7-12
The need to be seen is a basic human need. The desire to be recognized and known is intended to be met in the community of the church. We are greeted by those we love and are called by name. But beyond being recognized, we also want to be understood...
Visible and invisible God, guide my sight and my understanding. Help me to eschew the facile narrative of “what we all know” and embrace your revelation. Amen.
In the week leading to Transfiguration Sunday, the texts all deal with holy, transforming light; but they also speak to the awkwardness of waiting for and finally experiencing that light. Elisha’s is a stop-and-go pilgrimage before he sees the chariots of fire. The psalmist proclaims the march of the sun across the sky while also waiting for the eschatological arrival of God’s justice for God’s people. Paul empathizes with the believers in Corinth who are having to wait and work to “give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.” Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a mountain where they wait and are terrified by the cloud of glory that overshadows them.
Read 2 Kings 2:1-12. Think of a time when you waited for a blessing from God. How did the waiting feel? How did you experience the blessing when it came?
Read Psalm 50:1-6. What helps you to be aware of God’s presence with you from “the rising of the sun to its setting” each day?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:3-6. What are the areas of your life where God is shining a light? Are there any areas where you need God’s light, or may not see God’s light?
Read Mark 9:2-9. Identify a spiritual “mountaintop experience” you have had. What was the lasting impact of that experience on your life as a follower of Christ?
Respond by posting a prayer.
