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Prepare the way: Sandy
Sermon Summary
In today's sermon, the Sandy emphasised that Jesus is the embodiment of God's promises, referred to as "God's yes," and through the story of the Transfiguration, we are invited to trust in His glory and the fulfilment of God's word in our lives.
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In our journey through the series "Prepare the Way," we explore the profound truth that God has been preparing a new creation since the beginning of time. This preparation began in the Garden of Eden and continues through the promise of a new heaven and earth. The Old Testament is filled with prophecies of a coming light, a saviour, which were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. John the Baptist declared Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life, emphasising the need for repentance to prepare for His coming. Today, we delve into the concept of Jesus as "God's Yes," the fulfilment of all God's promises.
We often struggle with trust because human promises can be uncertain. However, Jesus is the embodiment of God's unwavering promise. In Him, all promises find their "yes." This is beautifully illustrated in the story of the Transfiguration, where Jesus' divine glory is revealed to Peter, James, and John. This event is not just a story but a revelation of the Kingdom of God and the glory of Jesus. It connects the Old Testament prophecies with the New Testament fulfilment, showing Jesus as the promised Messiah.
The Transfiguration parallels the story of Moses on Mount Sinai, where God's glory was revealed through fire and cloud. Just as Moses' face shone after being in God's presence, Jesus' transfiguration reveals His divine nature. This event signifies the formation of a new people of God, transformed by the glory of Jesus. It is a call to see and understand the kingdom of God, which is present and active in our lives.
Peter later reflects on this experience, affirming that it was not a myth but a witnessed event that confirmed Jesus as God's promise. This revelation calls us to live in the light of God's promises, trusting in His word and the reality of Jesus within us. As we navigate the in-between of the present and the promised future, we are invited to trust in Jesus, the embodiment of God's faithfulness.
Key Takeaways
1. God's Preparation and Promise: From the Garden of Eden to the promise of a new creation, God has been preparing the way for His people. This preparation is fulfilled in Jesus, who is the light and saviour promised throughout the Old Testament. In Him, we find the assurance of God's faithfulness and the hope of a new heaven and earth.
2. Jesus as God's Yes: Human promises can be uncertain, but Jesus is the embodiment of God's unwavering promise. In Him, all promises find their "yes." This truth invites us to trust in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life, and to see Him as the fulfilment of God's promises.
3. The Transfiguration's Significance: The Transfiguration is a revelation of Jesus' divine glory and the Kingdom of God. It connects the Old Testament prophecies with the New Testament fulfilment, showing Jesus as the promised Messiah. This event calls us to see and understand the Kingdom of God, which is present and active in our lives.
4. Parallels with Moses: The Transfiguration parallels Moses' experience on Mount Sinai, where God's glory was revealed. Just as Moses' face shone after being in God's presence, Jesus' transfiguration reveals His divine nature. This signifies the formation of a new people of God, transformed by the glory of Jesus.
5. Living in God's Promise: Peter's reflection on the Transfiguration affirms it as a witnessed event that confirms Jesus as God's promise. This revelation calls us to live in the light of God's promises, trusting in His word and the reality of Jesus within us. As we navigate the in-between of the present and the promised future, we are invited to trust in Jesus, the embodiment of God's faithfulness.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: God's Eternal Preparation for a New Creation
Scripture:
Isaiah 65:17-18
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.
Devotional:
God's preparation for a new creation began in the Garden of Eden and continues through the promise of a new heaven and earth. This divine plan is woven throughout the Old Testament, with prophecies pointing to a coming light and saviour, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies the culmination of God's preparation, offering assurance of His faithfulness and the hope of a renewed creation. As believers, we are invited to participate in this divine narrative, recognising that God's work is ongoing and active in our lives today.Reflection:
How can you actively participate in God's ongoing work of creation in your daily life today?
Prayer:
Almighty God, I look forward to the new creation You have promised. As I navigate this world, remind me that I am part of Your plan. Fill my heart with hope and anticipation for the day when all things will be made new. Until then, may I live in faith and trust in Your yes. Amen.
Day 2: Jesus as the Fulfilment of God's Promises
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 1:20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Devotional:
In a world where human promises often fall short, Jesus stands as the embodiment of God's unwavering promise. In Him, all of God's promises find their "yes." This truth invites us to place our trust in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. By seeing Jesus as the fulfilment of God's promises, we are encouraged to live with confidence and hope, knowing that God's faithfulness is steadfast and unchanging.
Reflection:
What is one promise of God that you struggle to believe? How can you begin to trust Jesus as the "yes" to that promise today?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see Jesus not just as a figure in history, but as the living embodiment of Your faithfulness. I ask for the faith to trust in Your promises, to believe that You are always working for my good, even when I cannot see it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 3: The Transfiguration as a Revelation of Divine Glory
Scripture:
Matthew 17:2-3
There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
The Transfiguration of Jesus is a profound revelation of His divine glory and the kingdom of God. This event connects the prophecies of the Old Testament with their fulfilment in the New Testament, affirming Jesus as the promised Messiah. The Transfiguration invites us to see and understand the Kingdom of God as present and active in our lives, calling us to live in the light of this divine reality.
Reflection:
How can you become more aware of God's Kingdom actively working in your life today?
Prayer:
Lord, as I reflect on Your glory revealed in Jesus, open my eyes to see the beauty of Your creation around me. Help me to recognise Your presence in my life and to be transformed by Your light. May I shine with Your love and grace. Amen.
Day 4: Parallels with Moses and the Formation of a New People
Scripture:
Exodus 34:29-30
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.
Devotional:
The Transfiguration of Jesus parallels Moses' experience on Mount Sinai, where God's glory was revealed. Just as Moses' face shone after being in God's presence, Jesus' transfiguration reveals His divine nature. This event signifies the formation of a new people of God, transformed by the glory of Jesus. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His glory and be part of this new community, living out our faith in tangible ways.Reflection:
In what ways can you reflect the glory of Jesus in your interactions with others today?
Prayer:
Lord, please shine your light through me. Let others see you as I reflect your glory in this world. Amen.
Day 5: Living in the Light of God's Promises
Scripture:
2 Peter 1:16-18
For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honour and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
Devotional:
Peter's reflection on the Transfiguration affirms it as a witnessed event that confirms Jesus as God's promise. This revelation calls us to live in the light of God's promises, trusting in His word and the reality of Jesus within us. As we navigate the in-between of the present and the promised future, we are invited to trust in Jesus, the embodiment of God's faithfulness, and to live with hope and assurance.
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you need to trust in God's promises more fully? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who keeps His promises. Help me to trust in Your word and to remember that all Your promises find their yes in Jesus. May I lean on You today, knowing that You are faithful and true. Amen.
Day 6: Listen to Jesus
Scripture:
Mark 9:7
'Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” '
Mark 9:7Devotional:
In this powerful moment of the transfiguration, we witness a divine revelation that speaks volumes about who Jesus is and what He represents in our lives. The voice from the cloud, declaring Jesus as God's beloved Son, invites us to listen to Him. This call to listen is not just a suggestion; it is a profound invitation to engage with the very essence of God's promise.
When God commands us to listen to Jesus, it’s an invitation to open our hearts and minds to His teachings and His way of life. In a world filled with noise and distractions, we often struggle to hear His voice. Yet, it is in the quiet moments of prayer and reflection that we can truly tune in to what He is saying. Are we making space in our lives to listen?
Reflection:
Which of Jesus’ teachings do you need to listen to again today?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You came to Earth to save us, but you also spent time teaching us how to live Your way. Please bring to mind the lesson that I need to listen to today and live out in my life.
Amen.
Day 7: God's Holy Presence
Scripture:
Mark 9:1-8
'Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) '
Mark 9:5-6Devotional:
In this moment of transfiguration, we see Peter, overwhelmed by the glory of God revealed in Jesus. His instinct is to build tents, to capture the moment, to hold onto the divine presence. How often do we find ourselves in awe of God’s goodness and glory, wanting to stay in that moment forever? Just like Peter, we may not always know how to respond when we encounter the divine. But it’s in these moments that we are reminded of the goodness of being in God’s presence.
Reflection:
Take a moment today to reflect on a time when you felt God’s presence in a powerful way. What was that experience like? How did it change you?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the moments when Your glory shines through in my life. Help me to trust in Your promises and to reflect Your light to those around me. May I always seek to listen to Jesus and follow His example. Amen.
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