February 16, 2023
Dear Central Church,
A few days ago we celebrated Valentine’s Day. Like most holidays, it has Christian origins but has been commercialized well beyond its origin story. Valentinus was a Roman bishop who was imprisoned and martyred in 269 AD. Tradition asserts that he performed weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and gave them hearts made of parchment to remind them of their vows to their spouse and to God.
We don’t know if these legends are true, but history has persisted in telling them because humans were created to love and to be loved. It’s important to express our love for significant people in our lives. The arrival of flowers, chocolates, or a sweet card serve as physical reminders of the love we have for special people in our lives.
On the Mount of Transfiguration, the disciples see Jesus walking with Moses and Elijah. It’s a physical manifestation of God’s glory and presence. A voice comes from Heaven and says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5) Jesus receives a very special message from his Father, one that is reminiscent of his baptism and one that will sustain him for the mission ahead of him.
From the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus and his disciples will descend into the valley of persecution, suffering, and death on the cross. What upholds Jesus in this moment is this reminder that he is loved by the Father. If I were there in that moment, I would say the same thing as Peter, “Lord, it’s good to be here!”
It is good to be where God’s love is made manifest on the earth. I’ve been in those moments, and they have almost always been in the context of worship. I believe, however, that the Lord gives us those moments to prepare and equip us for mission. We cannot stay on the mountain. We must go to Jerusalem. It’s good to be “here,” but God calls us to go “there.”
I invite you to the mountain top. Join us this Sunday as we encounter the presence of God. It will be a good Sunday at Central Church…one that I know will prepare you for your mission ahead.
Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark
