The Transfiguration Of Our Lord
Devotional
Water From the Well
Lectionary Devotional For Cycle A
Object:
Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?
-- Psalm 2:1
This passage is provided on Transfiguration Sunday because of the reference that is picked up in the transfiguration stories: "He said to me, 'You are my son; today I have begotten you.' " It should not be forgotten that the psalmist saw this declaration as a direct challenge to the arrogance of nations and peoples who assumed that they were the measure of all things. "The kings of the earth set themselves ... against the Lord and his anointed, saying 'Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.' " While the church has proven no better at handling power than any other group, it is important that we remember that we do have a message that speaks to the powerful of the world. No nation or group has a lasting hold on their power and all are accountable for how they exercise it. "Now therefore, O Kings, be wise; be warned O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear...." The model by which all governments are to utilize their power is the servant ministry of Christ. The psalmist said, "You are my son; today I have begotten you." This same affirmation was spoken from the cloud in Matthew's telling of the transfiguration. It was joined with the admonition that we should "Listen to him." At the conclusion of Matthew, Jesus instructed the disciples, and therefore the church, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations ... and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19).
-- Psalm 2:1
This passage is provided on Transfiguration Sunday because of the reference that is picked up in the transfiguration stories: "He said to me, 'You are my son; today I have begotten you.' " It should not be forgotten that the psalmist saw this declaration as a direct challenge to the arrogance of nations and peoples who assumed that they were the measure of all things. "The kings of the earth set themselves ... against the Lord and his anointed, saying 'Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.' " While the church has proven no better at handling power than any other group, it is important that we remember that we do have a message that speaks to the powerful of the world. No nation or group has a lasting hold on their power and all are accountable for how they exercise it. "Now therefore, O Kings, be wise; be warned O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear...." The model by which all governments are to utilize their power is the servant ministry of Christ. The psalmist said, "You are my son; today I have begotten you." This same affirmation was spoken from the cloud in Matthew's telling of the transfiguration. It was joined with the admonition that we should "Listen to him." At the conclusion of Matthew, Jesus instructed the disciples, and therefore the church, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations ... and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19).
