The Sixth Sunday of the Epiphany Season
The Sunday of the Transfiguration / Quinquagesima Sunday
February 11, 2024
A Glimpse of the Real Glory of God the Son
The Wizard of Oz is one of those stories (and movies) that has stood the test of time. In my opinion, it’s also one of the few instances where the movie has eclipsed the popularity of the book that preceded it. There’s a scene in The Wizard of Oz in which Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion encounter the “real” wizard. Most of you probably remember that moment in the movie. The giant screen has been showing a powerful, larger-than-life person whose booming voice rings out across Emerald City as “the Great Oz.” However, when Toto pulls back the curtain behind which the Wizard of Oz is hidden,while he manipulates an instrument console, everyone sees him for what he really is…..just a man…..and not that larger-than-life person on that screen. That Oz was nothing more a manufactured image. You also might recall that in the moment when Toto pulls back the curtain, the Wizard suddenly cries out: “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.” Of course, that plea falls on deaf ears. Once that curtain was pulled back, the so-called “Wizard of Oz” was seen for who he actually was….just a man, and a rather small one at that.
In the story before us today, a curtain also is being pulled back and Someone is being seen for Who He really is, too. But, unlike the so-called “Wizard of Oz,” this Person is far more than just an ordinary man. When Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John, ” There he was transfigured in front of them. His face was shining like the sun. His clothing became as white as the light. Just then, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.” Those three apostles received a tremendous privilege with their eyes that we can also experience today, through the eyes of faith. They saw the curtain pulled back on Jesus’ humanity so that their faith in Him could be encouraged and strengthened. That’s because they were allowed to get a glimpse of Who Jesus really is…..the divine Son of God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. And they were awed by His glory and power, so much so that they fell to the ground in fear. But, even more important, they were indelibly impressed, encouraged and edified by the memory Jesus’ glorious appearance. In fact, they would carry that moment in their heads and hearts throughout their ministries as part of their motivation for serving Him…..and that they would share that memory with us, to motivate and encourage us…..just as Peter will do in today’s Epistle reading.
Today’s Place on the “Church Calendar
This date on the “Church Calendar” has been known by a variety of names down through the centuries, such as: the Sixth (and in 2024, the Last) Sunday in Epiphany; the Last Sunday of “Pre-Lent;” “Quinquagesima Sunday;” and, finally, the Sunday of the Transfiguration. Each name holds significance for us on this somewhat “transitional” Sunday.
As the traditional “Sunday of the Transfiguration,” this day
“transitions” us out of Epiphany season and into the penitential season of Lent (which begins this coming Ash Wednesday evening). As a church, we make that transition by recalling the glory and power that have belonged to Jesus from all eternity as the Almighty God (and which He voluntarily chose to lay aside during His state of humiliation/limitation that He went through from His conception through His death and burial). It was His divine glory which our Savior manifested for His disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration. That day He also informed His “inner circle” of apostles that, although He would be put to death by His enemies, He would rise three days later as the Victor over sin, Satan, and the grave. Transfiguration, then, is a fitting “transition” between Epiphany’s emphasis on Christ revealing His power and glory as the LORD, and Lent’s focus on Christ’s sacrificial, atoning death for our sins.
This morning is also, of course, the Sixth (and final) Sunday of the Epiphany Season. “Epiphany,” as many of you know, means “to reveal” or “to manifest.” Over the past four weeks we’ve been examining select portions of God’s Word through which Jesus’ deity has been demonstrated by either His miracles or His preaching. Often, those Scripture lessons also contained an evangelism/Christian witnessing element – which is another of the Epiphany emphases.
Finally, today is the last Sunday of a 3 Sunday period known as “Pre-Lent.” Through the ancient (Latin) title of “Quinquagesima,” we are reminded that there are only fifty days before the Church celebrates Easter (Quinquagesima means “fifty”).
Today’s Worship Service and Lessons
The traditional thrust of this Sunday is to recall the majestic way through which Jesus displayed His divine power and authority as the only true God during a unique event in His public ministry: the transfiguration. The words of today’s Sermon Hymn capture the apostle Peter’s expression of joy at being in the presence not only of Moses and Elijah, but especially His “transfigured Lord.”
In today’s Gospel Lesson/Sermon Text Peter, James and John experience Jesus’ transfiguration. They also get to see Moses and Elijah. Peter asked Jesus if they could all stay on that mountaintop, basking in the resplendent glory of Christ as the true God — while far removed from the daily matters and pressures of life. But Jesus denied Peter’s request. Jesus and those disciples had to come down from that mountain first in order to deal with and heal a boy possessed by an evil spirit. (No matter where He went on earth, Jesus was never removed from sin and its effects.) And second, a few months later Jesus would climb to the top of one more mountain, Calvary. There He would voluntarily sacrifice Himself through the cruel process of crucifixion to finish His redemptive mission of delivering fallen mankind from our the curse of our sins while reconciling us to God again.
Additionally, Jesus saw to it that the faith of Peter, James and John was strengthened through being eyewitnesses to His glorious transfiguration. The memory of that event would help those Apostles to boldly and confidently serve Christ throughout his life. Similarly, Jesus wants to build up your and my faith in Him this morning as we meditate on the facts and significance of His transfiguration. That way we, too, will more joyfully and faithfully carry out the often-challenging “work” which our Lord has called us to perform for Him. And let’s always try to keep in mind that we never come down from the mountaintop to live and work all alone. As He was there for Peter, James and John…even so Jesus will ever be with us and is always for us. And He promises to cheer, direct and support us as we go through every change and challenge of life that we face for Him.
Peter, whose faith was strengthened through being an eyewitness to Jesus glorious transfiguration, speaks about his experience in order to encourage others in today’s Epistle Lesson. When we must leave the spiritual safety of this house of worship later today and go back out into the world in which we live in order to serve our Lord, we’ll want to remember (as Peter did) that we will never come down from this mountaintop alone, nor do we traverse the other mountains of life all by ourselves. Jesus is always going to be with us, cheering and directing us as we go through every change and challenge of our lives.
In today’s Old Testament Lesson we see God’s glory revealed to an exhausted, discouraged Elijah who was running for his life from Jezebel’s death threats, and who was ready to give up and die. The LORD encourages this great prophet in His work as He comes to Elijah – not in an impressive earthquake or violent wind (as one might expect) but – in a quiet, small voice. So, today, many people – wrongly expecting to be spiritually impressed by God’s awesome power – miss out on the presence and power of the LORD in the simple, clear voice of Holy Scripture.
Finally, through today’s Children’s Lesson we’ll talk about the problems that people had in Jesus’ day (and today) in seeing Jesus as the LORD God. We’ll also give thanks that we are able to believe in Jesus as the One, true God….knowing that our ability to believe is the result of the miracle of faith which God the Holy Spirit has worked and keeps in our hearts through the Means of Grace (that is, the Gospel in the Word of God, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper).
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Pre-Service Prayer
In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, for keeping me through this night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also, from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may be pleasing in Your sight. Into Your hands I commit my body and soul and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the wicked Foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Silent Prayer upon entering the sanctuary
Pre-service music
We Praise Our God
Greeting and Introduction to Worship
After which, the Congregation will rise
Pastor We begin this service in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Psalm for Today Psalm 8
- O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! Set this glory of Yours above the heavens.
- From the lips of little children and nursing babies You have established strength because of Your foes, to put a stop to the enemy and the avenger.
- Whenever I look up at Your heavens, the works of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place – what is man that You remember him, the Son of Man that You pay attention to Him?
- Nevertheless, You make Him suffer need, apart from God for a little while, but Your crown Him with glory and honor.
- You make Him the Ruler over the works of Your hands; You put everything under His feet: all flocks and cattle, and even the wild animals, the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea, which pass through the currents of the seas.
- O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
After which the Congregation may be seated for
Today’s Choral Selection “Christ Begins”
choir vv1-2; Danielle Ashley v3
verse 4 congregation & choir
We stand and we watch on the bank, wide-eyed. Water runs
and all heaven opens wide, and a voice like thunder replies,
Refrain Here’s my Prophet, my Priest, my King,
a Light in the dark, Christ steps in;
Here’s my Savior, my God, my King,
the time has come, Christ begins.
Mary’s whispering, but it’s not the time. Six jars are filled
with the finest wine. Tell me, Who is this by our side? Refrain
See the sun out-shined on the hill and hide. Clothes like lightning white, heaven opens wide and a voice like thunder replies, Refrain
We stand, gathered round on the mountain-side. Watching the
closing clouds hide Him from our yes; with a voice united we cry
Refrain
After which, at the Pastor’s invitation, the Congregation will rise for
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor Let us join in confessing our sins to God our Father.
Congregation Almighty Lord God, we have come together to stand in Your presence, + to hear Your Word, and to worship You.
Pastor But who may appear in Your presence, Heavenly Father, and who may call on You for help?
Congregation He who has clean hands and a pure heart; + He shall receive blessings from the Lord.
Pastor O holy and righteous God, You alone can make us clean. We have rebelled against You and become worthless. But Your mercies never end; they are new every day. At Your command and promise, therefore, we come to You and confess our sins.
Congregation Miserable person that I am, + I confess and lament to You, O most
holy God, + that I am a weak and sinful creature, + guilty of every sin, of unbelief, and of blasphemy. + I also confess that Your Word has not brought forth good fruit in me. + I hear it, but do not receive it earnestly. + I do not show works of love toward my neighbor. + I am full of anger, hate, and envy. + I am impatient, greedy, and bent on every evil. + Therefore my heart and conscience are heavy. + Lord, I ask You, free me from my sins, + strengthen my faith, + and comfort my weak conscience by Your divine Word, + that I may obtain Your promised grace.
Pastor Having faithfully confessed your sins, now hear Your heavenly Father’s promise of forgiveness to you. Jesus explained God’s will and promise as
clearly as possible in John 6:40 when He said, “For My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise Him up at the last day.” And now, carrying out my office as a called servant of the Living Word, I proclaim the grace and mercy of God to all of you, and according to the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, and in His place, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you. Amen.
We Respond To God’s Forgiveness
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee
For Thy forgiveness, full and free,
He, who by grace, this truth believes
The blessings of Christ’s love receives.
Praise God the Father, God the Son
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
As ’twas, is now, and so shall be
World without end, eternally! Amen.
Our Prayer for “Quinquagesima” Sunday
Lord Jesus Christ, + You are a safe Refuge in this troubled world. + In Your Word You assure us + that You are our Great High Priest + Who offered Yourself as the supreme + once-for-all-time sacrifice + to deliver us from the curse of our sins + from the fear of death, + and from the Devil’s power. + In Your mercy You have exalted us + to be members of Your Church now and forever. + Precious Savior, as we mediate upon Your Word today, —- through the Holy Spirit’s working + fill our hearts with the desire to always love what is right + and to avoid what is evil in Your sight. + Enable us to follow You obediently + and to serve You faithfully all our lives + until that day comes + when You call our earthly pilgrimage to a close + and graciously grant us the fullness + of everlasting life and glory in heaven with You. + Hear and answer our prayer, dear Lord, + as we offer it in Your name. + and for Your sake. + Amen.
after which the Congregation will be seated as
We Hear God’s Word
The Old Testament Lesson I Kings 19:1-18
Then Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done, including the fact that he had killed all their prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to say to Elijah, “May the gods punish me severely and even double it, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like one of theirs.”
3 Elijah was afraid, and he ran for his life. He went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and he left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. There he sat down under a broom tree, where he prayed that he would die. He said, “I’ve had enough, Lord. Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 Then he lay down and went to sleep under the broom tree.
Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”
6 Then he looked around, and near his head there was a loaf of bread baking on coals and a jar of water, so he ate and drank, and then he lay down again.
7 Then the angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, because the journey is too much for you.”
8 So he got up and ate and drank. Then, with the strength gained from that food, he walked for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 He came to a cave and spent the night there.
Then the word of the Lord suddenly came to him, saying, “Why are you here, Elijah?”
10 He said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of Armies, but the people of Israel have abandoned Your covenant. They have torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking to take my life.”
11 Then the Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is passing by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains and shattered rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.
After the wind came an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.
12 After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.
After the fire there was a soft, whispering voice.
13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak, and he went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. Then a voice came to him and said, “Why are you here, Elijah?”
14 He said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of Armies, but the people of Israel have abandoned Your covenant. They have torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking to take my life.”
15 Then the Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came and go to the Wilderness of Damascus. When you get there, you are to anoint Hazael as king over Aram. 16 You will also anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah as prophet in your place. 17 Whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill, and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. 18 But I have preserved in Israel seven thousand whose knees have not bent to Baal and whose lips have not kissed him.”
The Epistle Lesson II Peter 1:10-21
10 Therefore, brothers, be more eager to make your calling and election sure for yourselves. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. 11 In fact, in this way you will be richly supplied with an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12 That is why I intend always to keep reminding you of these things, even though you already know them and are established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to keep you wide awake by reminding you, 14 because I know that the putting off of my tent is going to happen soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 I will also make every effort so that after my departure you always have a reminder of these things.
16 To be sure, we were not following cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the powerful appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received honor and glory from God the Father, when the voice came to Him from within the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” 18 We heard this voice, which came out of heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
19 We also have the completely reliable prophetic word. You do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts, 20 since we know this above all else: No prophecy of Scripture comes about from someone’s own interpretation. 21 In fact, no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were being carried along by the Holy Spirit.
The Congregation will then rise out of respect
for the words of the Lord Jesus, to hear
The Gospel Lesson Matthew 17:1-23
Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James; and He led them up onto a high mountain by themselves. 2 There He was transfigured in front of them. His face was shining like the sun. His clothing became as white as the light. 3 Just then, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.
4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You want, I will make three shelters here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While He was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them. Just then, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, Whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell face down and were terrified. 7 Jesus approached and as He touched them, He said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they opened their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus alone. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
10 His disciples asked Him, “Then why do the experts in the law say that Elijah must come first?”
11 Jesus answered them, “Yes, Elijah is coming and will restore all things, 12 but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him. Instead they did to him whatever they desired. In the same way the Son of Man will also suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He was talking to them about John the Baptist.
14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt in front of Him. 15 “Lord,” he said, “have mercy on my son because he has seizures and is suffering terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to Your disciples, but they were not able to cure him.”
17 Jesus answered, “O unbelieving and perverse generation! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it went out of the boy, and he was cured from that hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why were we unable to drive it out?”
20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. Amen I tell you: If you have faith like a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. 21 But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
22 While they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men. 23 They will kill Mim, but on the third day Me will be raised.” And they were greatly distressed.
The Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The forgiveness of sins; The resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.
after which the Congregation may be seated
The Children’s Lesson John 1:10,14
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him…..14 The Word became Flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen His glory, the glory He has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Do You Recognize Who Jesus Really Is?
The Hymn of the Day Hymn 95 “How Good, Lord, To Be Here”
1 How good, Lord, to be here! Your glory fills the night;
Your face and garments, like the sun, Shine with unborrowed light.
2 How good, Lord, to be here Your beauty to behold,
Where Moses and Elijah stand, Your messengers of old.
3 Fulfiller of the past, Promise of things to be,
We hail your body glorified And our redemption see.
4 Before we taste of death, We see your kingdom come;
We long to hold the vision bright And make this hill our home.
5 How good, Lord, to be here! Yet we may not remain;
But since you bid us leave the mount, Come with us to the plain.
The Pre-Sermon Salutation
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ! And grace and peace to you from Him Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come. Amen.
The Sermon Text Matthew 17:1-13
(Today’s Gospel Lesson)
The Meaning of Jesus’ Transfiguration
after this, the Congregation will rise for the post-sermon blessing
The Post-Sermon Blessing
Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.
We Bring our Offerings and Prayers to the Lord
Offerings will be received this morning through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship.
However, for those viewing this service online, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can mail a check (no cash) to the church address
(415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) You can also donate on our website: www.gracelutherannwa.com
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
after the offerings are brought forward, the Congregation will rise for
-
The Prayers for this Day
We praise You, O Father, for the precious gift of Your Son and for His glorious transfiguration on the holy mountain. Grant that with the eyes of faith we may behold the radiance of His heavenly beauty, the image of Your own divine Being, and worship Him in sincerity and truth.
Give us the firm resolve to listen to Your Son, the joyful readiness to believe His promises, and the spirited willingness to obey His commandments. By the appearance of Moses and Elijah show us that blessed are the dead who die in faith, blessed are they who live in Christ, and blessed are all who believe, for they shall know the power of His resurrection and shall be “changed from glory into glory.”
O God and Father, let Your Holy Spirit find a dwelling in our poor bodies and transform our weak, sinful lives into the radiance of goodness, purity, and righteousness. Transform our minds by the renewing grace that flows from You. Transform our vision, our understanding, our judgments, yes, our whole persons, to reflect the mind of Christ. Take our sicknesses, pains, wounds, and hurts; take our disappointments, defeats, and despair; take our sorrows and mourning; take our pride and anger; take our selfishness and envy; take our hate and fear; take all these, O Father, and transform them by the touch of Jesus into noble impulses, pure motives, kind thoughts, constructive deeds, high courage, and true faith. Hear us now, Lord, as we bring You our private petitions and expressions of praise.
Silent prayer.
Look upon Your church, O Lord, here and in every place, and grant that we and all who bear the name of Christ may daily offer up to You the acceptable sacrifices of repentance, thanksgiving, and loving obedience. Hear our prayer and by Your mercy grant our petitions for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior, in Whose name we also pray…..
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Benediction
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The Lord look with favor upon you, and give you His peace. Amen.
The Closing Hymn “Christ’s Majesty Displayed, How Fair!”
(Sung to the melody, “From Heav’n Above To Earth I Come”; cwh 2001)
Christ’s majesty displayed, how fair!
A glimpse of what the Church shall share.
His glory on the mount He showed
When brighter than the sun, He glowed.
From age to age the Word declares:
To Peter, James and John, all there
With Moses and Elijah….He
Revealed His heav’nly deity.
The Father’s voice, from up above
Proclaims “This is the Son I love,
With all He does I am well-pleased.
Let all unto His words give heed.”
This radiant Lord, God’s sinless Son,
Upon the cross the vict’ry won –
For sinners He His life laid down
To earn for us our heav’nly crown.
With shining face and bright array
Christ manifests for us today
The glory of His dwelling place
Which we’ll enjoy through faith, by grace. Amen.
Silent Prayer,
Announcements,
Post-service music