Yesterday many churches observed Transfiguration. For a brief time Jesus showed His glory but then He led the disciples down into the nasty business of Lent, of giving His life for our ransom.
From glory to suffering reminded me of a story told by Dr. Oswald Hoffmann. He was invited to Viet Nam to preach to the troops, but said he was having a tough time coming up with what to say. Of course he wanted to tell them about Jesus, but how? What’s the most insightful way to arrange the message? Every preacher knows the feeling. With this problem in the back of his mind, he was visiting casually with some of the troops. One of them said, “I can’t wait to get back to real life.” “That’s it,” Dr. Hoffmann said. That’s the way to present the Good News of Jesus. What you’re experiencing now, as terrible as war is, is real life. It comes from the sinfulness of this world, and sin is real.
So also today. What you are experiencing in your life is real life. Don’t wish for an alternate reality. Are you a parent struggling with a child? Are you a caregiver running on fumes? Are you a teacher in a tough school, and underpaid at that? Are you a minister worn down by your congregation, discouraged because they’re not showing the love and joy of the Gospel? Are you a social worker or a volunteer at a foodbank? Are you in jail? You’re experiencing life, real and nasty in this world of sinful people. Jesus comes to bring redemption and hope to you…and through you to the people you serve.
“‘Tis good, Lord, to be here! Yet we may not remain;
But since Thou bidst us leave the mount, Come with us to the plain.
(Lutheran Service Book, 414, 4)
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