Transfigured!

For Wednesday, April 26, 2023:

Matthew 17:2-3 NLT: “As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.”

The brothers John and James along with Peter accompanied Jesus up a high hill to be alone. And when you travel with Jesus, you oftentimes get to witness the unexpected! This time it was the transfiguration, Jesus emitting the light of purity and holiness. His face shone like the sun! They were joined by Elijah and Moses.

Jesus himself was transformed. It was still his face, but it now emitted light so bright that it would have been difficult to look at him. The Greek verb ‘metamorphoo’ implies a transformation, a change in form. We use this word to describe a caterpillar becoming a beautiful butterfly. There’s still only one living thing, but now it’s way different! Transfigured! Some would say, ‘way better!’

Spurgeon writes about this: “Saints long departed still alive; live in their personality; are known by their names; and enjoy near access to Christ.”

Proving once again that a good life-after-this-life awaits us!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

Radical Transformation

Sept. 08, 2014 Monday Message:

 “The witnesses of Stephen’s execution flung their clothes at the feet of a young man by the name of Saul.” Acts 7:58 JBP

If you had been present at Stephen’s demise – the accusations, the mock-trial, the mob taking things into their own hands – you might have noticed someone on the sidelines, egging them on: Saul of Tarsus.

Saul was a well-educated Jew, determined to preserve the status quo. He refused to examine the writings of his Hebrew ancestors to see the hundreds of ways that Jesus fulfilled prophesy.

At the stoning of Stephen, Saul was part of the throng. “You need to throw the stones harder! You can’t get enough power with that jacket restricting your movement. Here, let me hold your coats!” Ultimately Stephen was stoned to death.

We all know the rest of the story. On the road to Damascus, Saul was struck blind, and Jesus appeared to him saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul was then led into town, his sight was restored, and he immediately was baptized and became the point person taking the Good News to the Gentiles. Today we know him as Saint Paul.

My point is that God can radically transform anyone, even someone complicit in a murder scheme. Paul’s mission had been to exterminate the followers of Jesus, and he was good at it. But God turned his life upside-down, and put Paul to work making disciples of all nations.

There is no sin so great that it cannot be forgiven by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at 10:00am every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, Sept. 14, Pastor Michael Pilla examines the conversion of Saul.