Seeking Transformation

This week we prepare for Ash Wednesday and the end of Epiphany season. However, we first must stop to consider what the transfiguration of Jesus, in front of his disciples, on the high mountain does and consider the words that came from God in Matthew 17:5 that reads, "from the cloud a voice said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!'"

We should be looking for ways that Jesus' transfiguration leads us to discover how we too can become transformed in our daily lives for God's purposes, and what Jesus' transformation has to offer those who believe in him. I have thought a lot about how I can be part of transformation experience that Jesus shared with his disciples, but at some point confusion and fear get in the way.

Fear is a normal emotion that reacts to that which is unknown. Everyone fears certain situations that they believe will fundamentally change their lives, whether for good or bad, or that are unsafe or dangerous. Most of us begin to worry if we believe a decision could cause us hurt, harm, and possible violence. That kind of fear is understandable.

We have all had to deal with being afraid of places or people that we believe are not safe because of past experiences or negative reputation. It's terrifying. That is normal fear at work.

Nevertheless, there is another type of fear that comes as part of seeking a transformative life that Jesus modeled. This type of fear arises if we do not follow the pattern of behavior that Jesus set before his transfiguration.

Take time to read Matthew 17:1-9 and see if you can identify some of the things, internal and external, that Jesus and his disciples did on their way to his transfiguration, because it will play itself out in much the same way for us as it did for Jesus and his disciples. Our journey into the Lenten season this year will be made better after we have found out some of the major ways and means that will allow God to transform us when we follow Jesus' example.