Motivated To Love
February 14, 2021
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 & Luke 9:28-36
(Transfiguration Sunday 2/14)
In our reading from 2 Corinthians this Sunday we get the notion from Paul that the glory of God is reflected, not seen directly. How true of life, that God’s surprises break out in the most unexpected ways and places: in that little moment where someone reaches out to you in a time of need (for those of you whom have been sick you know what a comfort it is to have the body of Christ tend to you); where you have joy over being of assistance to someone; or where a baby shows up in a manger and changes lives and history. Maybe God has to surprise us in order to get our attention sometimes. The problem with that, however, is that we might not notice the reflections of God’s glory that are happening around us. Part of the task of worship is the rehearsing of how we learn not only to look for God’s surprise in life, but also how to recognize them.
The Transfiguration clarifies Jesus’ identity—especially his divine sonship and foreshadows his exaltation to heaven. Jesus' identity and work cannot be understood apart from the cross and resurrection. Only in their light do we ever understand the character of God. We are created in the image of God. We are reflections of the Divine.
When we begin to see through God’s eyes and think and act like God, we find God’s power to change. The transition is the ultimate makeover. Other people will look at us and see something much bigger than us. People will look at you and see God’s reflection.
This Sunday, we will learn about the transforming love of God. We are created in the Divine image. We become born again when we accept God’s unconditional love through Jesus Christ. Nicodemus had a hard time grasping this concept as did many then and many do today.
-At Home in Jesus’ Love
Jesus clarifies his meaning of love when he says, in effect, “This is what I mean by love. When you love others as I have loved you.” (See John 15:12). Though he existed in the form of God, he set that aside and pitched his tent right where we live. (See John 1:14). He modeled the importance of physical presence, of appropriate touch, and of the relationship between healing and wholeness.
-Grace-Space
Jesus what not just physically present but he was also emotionally present. Jesus said, “Make yourselves at home in my love” (John 15:7, The Message). You are secure and strong in being who God created you to be. Your identity is shaped by the Lord Jesus, not those around you. Can you imagine a people who live in an environment of grace and unconditional love?
Let’s face it; we serve a God of Love. The essence of God is love. The ultimate example of sacrificial love is Jesus’ redemptive act on the cross. Are you open to the serendipity of God’s love? Are you receptive to the Spirit’s direction in your life? As we prepare for the season of the Resurrection, let us receive God’s love and be open to God’s Presence and guidance. Let’s be transformed, transfigured, and motivated by God’s love and experience the ultimate extreme makeover of our hearts, minds, souls and body.
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
Movie clip: "Miracle of the Fish" from The Chosen
Senior Pastor: Stephen Streett
Worship Pastor: Doug Allen
