"As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.

Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory . . ."

II Corinthians 3:18: "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect (behold or contemplate) the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

         The season of Epiphany ends with the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus. This is a story whose focus is the glory of God in Jesus. The theme of glory seems lost in today's searches for the "real" Jesus. But for the disciples, it was the experiences of the glory of Jesus that brought them to faith. John says that at the wedding at Cana, when Jesus turned water into wine, "he revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him." Surely they saw his glory in the feeding of the 5,000 and the calming of the storm at sea, and now on the mountain where his appearance changes and his clothing became bright as a flash of lightning. It was the glory of Jesus that convinced the disciples.

         Joel Green defines "glory" as "the visible manifestation of the power of God signifying God's presence." One Bible dictionary speaks of "the luminous manifestation and glorious self-revelation of God." Many places describe a radiating light that comes from God or from a person who has experienced God.

         So Luke describes this scene of Transfiguration, of the glory of God seen in Jesus. The point of the Transfiguration is to reveal Jesus as the chosen Son of God. This story of the glory of Jesus does not seem to have been used by the early church for evangelism or for defense of the Gospel. The sermons in Acts focus on his crucifixion and resurrection in calling people to faith. But this event, and the others which showed the glory of God in Jesus, had a profound effect on the Apostles.

         I think that for every believer, there are experiences of the glory of Christ that capture us, that convince us beyond argument. These may be very powerful and dramatic, or they may be quiet and inward. I do not mean to suggest that we have all had a vision of Jesus with light radiating from him. But in some way, Christ makes himself known to us, we are touched by grace, we see his glory.

         These moments where we discern the presence of Christ, where we feel the Spirit of Jesus, are somewhat mysterious. There is a timing in our lives to these moments. But there is also faithfulness. We can with confidence say that when you open your heart to Jesus Christ, you will in some way experience the glory of Christ. It may come with great emotion. It may come as quiet confidence. You will see and believe.

         Paul describes it as a veil being taken away. When you turn to the Lord, he reveals his glory, and the experience feels like freedom. It is a freedom, not to do as we please or to follow our desires and lusts; but it is a freedom to obey God, by the power of the Spirit. It leads us to holy living, and to purposeful living according to God's will.

         I have had some conversations lately about what is being called the "millennial generation," this remarkable group of young people that inspire and puzzle us at the same time. We see in some of them behaviors that frighten us: a rise in drinking, an interest in speeding cars, a tendency towards addictive behaviors. At the same time, but often not in the same individuals, we see among them many examples of young people who have such a strong heart and will to change the world, and a commitment to do that one life at a time.

         I received a letter from Libertyville High School this week. The students are carrying out a project to actually build and run a school in a village in Kenya, among the Masai people. I talk to many people of my generation whose children are active in missions, or in ministering to the poor or marginalized in their community, or who are involved in some group or ministry that is significantly impacting lives. I think of a group called "Water First" led by young adults whose mission is to bring clean water to people throughout the world. I see the way the young people in our church respond to opportunities to go on mission trips. I see a lot of boldness, courage and faith and commitment in this generation that is making a difference in the world today.

I wonder if both those who are passionate about justice and mission and those who are exploring dangerous lifestyles are searching for the glory of God. Beneath the hunger for justice is a longing to know and do God's will, to experience in the glory of God the freedom to obey God. And in those who seek extreme experiences of speed or intoxication or risk, there is a hunger for a reality that transcends the ordinary.

         Paul writes with great joy and conviction about the possibility of believers actually seeing, beholding, contemplating God's glory through Christ. He goes back to the Old Testament, where Moses had to veil himself after his experience with God on Sinai. He was radiating God's glory to such an extent that if the Israelites had looked directly at him, they would have died. But now Paul does not need to veil the Gospel, he can preach it openly, because the revelation of God in Jesus Christ does not lead to death, but to life. Through the preaching of the Gospel, people are coming to an experience of the glory of God, and a growing obedience to God's will.

         On the mountain with Jesus; Peter, John and James saw the glory of God; they beheld his glory. They saw who Jesus truly is, and in that experience began a journey of faith that led through the cross and resurrection to life in the Spirit.

         The first thing we notice is the amount of language that comes from the Exodus in the Old Testament: Moses, mountain, tabernacle, cloud. Jesus talks to Moses and Elijah about his "departure." The word is literally "exodus" and can also be used to mean "death." It seems that they are talking about his death, resurrection and exaltation.

         What this means is that the biblical story of Moses and the Exodus has clearly shaped Jesus' life and ministry. Joel Green says, "The mission of Jesus is grounded in the purpose of God to bring liberation from bondage." He liberates people from evil spirits. He heals disease, freeing people to return to their communities and families. He forgives sin. By his death and resurrection he leads us to life eternal.

         Do you live by a greater story? Do you allow the biblical story to shape your life, so that the themes of justice, mercy and forgiveness are prominent in your heart and expressed in your words and actions?

I have been listening to conversations in the congregation. I hear the people who serve each week in the food bank reflecting on what they are doing and how this intentional ministry is shaping, and changing their attitudes towards the poor. I hear people who are committed to PADS and to the care of the homeless talk in ways that are different from the attitudes of the dominant culture of our area. I hear those who are working in the new Ten Thousand Villages store beginning to gain a new perspective on what actually works in addressing economic issues in the world and desiring to apply that understanding closer to home.

I hear conversations that indicate people's lives are being shaped by God's Word.

         What story shapes your life and perception? Is it that of Exodus? Is it that of Jesus? What experiences are informing your attitudes? What personal ministry are you involved in that is opening your heart to God and filling you in new ways with his love?

         The other thing about the transfiguration of Jesus has to do with what the disciples saw in him. In Old Testament and Jewish tradition, one's countenance was seen as a mirror of one's heart and a manifestation of one's relationship to God. So the glorious countenance of Jesus was a window into his inner being. In that moment of transfiguration, the disciples saw into the heart of Jesus. They saw his relationship to the Father.

         If people could see what is in your heart by looking at your face, what would they see? Are you cultivating a life of holiness in your heart? How is your prayer life? How are you coming in your reading of the word? Do you need help? Do you feel stuck or defeated? Are you ready for an experience of renewal?

         If you are ready, then I believe an experience of the glory of Christ is very near.

         As we enter Lent, a season of heart renewal, let us seek the glory of Christ.

         Amen.