Dear Friends,
This week, we hold Nancy Guthrie and her family in our hearts and prayers. The entire country, and perhaps the world, is gripped by this kidnapping and the uncertainty of what has occurred. This ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and family in our broken world.
Please join us in praying for the Guthrie family, as well as for the many untold stories of those who are displaced, troubled, or held captive in this world.
The Old Testament reading, Exodus 24:12; 15-18, takes us to Mount Sinai where we see Moses ascending the mountain and entering into the cloud of glory which had settled on the top of the mountain. Years later moses would appear with Elijah on another mountain of glory and talk with Jesus about his work of salvation.
The Epistle lesson and also our text for this Sunday’s message, 2 Peter 1:16-19, let’s us hear Peter’s own account of that day when he saw the Savior’s majesty on the holy mountain. He recalls hearing the majestic voice of the Father announcing his acceptance of his Son. Peter never forgot that glorious moment. The glory we have in Christ must not be forgotten during our pilgrimage through life.
The Gospel lesson, Matthew 17:1-9, gives us a glimpse of the glory that will some day be ours. Peter wanted to preserve that special moment and never have it end. The future glory in Christ will far excel all of life’s greatest moments and it will last forever.
The thought which binds the readings together is the message that the children of God should “remember these things” and not to lose their hope for the Lord’s return. This longing and expectation of God’s hand of deliverance will help them to escape the corruption in this world.
Privileged to Serve Him with you!
Blessings,
Pastor Lee