Transformative Glory: Living Faithfully Through Life's Valleys

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the concept of glory and how it manifests in our lives, drawing from the biblical accounts of Moses and the Transfiguration of Jesus. These stories remind us that while we may experience moments of divine glory, the true essence of our faith journey lies in how we navigate the valleys of life. Moses, despite the Israelites' repeated failures, continued to lead them, reflecting God's enduring patience and willingness to offer second chances. Similarly, Jesus' transfiguration was a moment of divine revelation, yet it was not meant to be a permanent state. Instead, it served as a reminder of the work that lay ahead, both for Him and His disciples.

The notion of "peaking" in life, often associated with past glory days, is challenged by the idea that our spiritual journey is one of continuous transformation. Paul, who experienced a profound encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, exemplifies this ongoing transformation. Despite never having another mountaintop experience like that, he continued to grow in faith, becoming a pivotal figure in spreading the gospel. This teaches us that our faith is not defined by singular moments of glory but by the daily commitment to live in reflection of Christ.

Icons of faith, whether they are historical figures or personal mentors, are those who consistently embody Christ-like behavior. They remind us that our journey is not about achieving fame or recognition but about reflecting the image of Jesus in our everyday lives. As we approach Lent, we are invited to consider how we can be transformed into "little Christs," living out our faith in a way that brings glory to God, not just in moments of triumph but in the mundane and challenging aspects of life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Enduring Transformation: Our spiritual journey is not about reaching a peak and then declining. Instead, it is about continuous transformation, growing from one degree of glory to another, as we strive to become more like Christ in our daily lives. [24:45]

2. Divine Patience and Second Chances: The story of Moses and the Israelites illustrates God's enduring patience and willingness to offer second chances. Despite repeated failures, God continues to work in and through us, inviting us to rise and try again. [26:52]

3. Living in the Valleys: While mountaintop experiences are significant, the true test of our faith is how we live in the valleys. Jesus' ministry was among the marginalized, teaching us that true glory is found in serving others and walking alongside them in their struggles. [29:17]

4. Icons of Faith: True icons of faith are not those who seek glory for themselves but those who reflect the image of Christ consistently. They inspire us to live out our faith authentically, not for recognition but to embody Christ's love and compassion. [31:15]

5. Lenten Reflection: As we enter Lent, we are called to reflect on how we can be transformed into "little Christs." This season invites us to deepen our relationship with God, seeking to live out our faith in ways that bring about a new degree of glory each day. [33:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [22:43] - Reflecting on Glory Days
- [24:45] - Moses and Second Chances
- [26:52] - The Transfiguration of Jesus
- [29:17] - Living in the Valleys
- [31:15] - Icons of Faith
- [33:53] - Lenten Reflection and Transformation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 9:28-36 (The Transfiguration of Jesus)
2. Exodus 34:29-35 (Moses' Face Shining)
3. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (Transformation from Glory to Glory)

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Observation Questions:

1. What significant event occurs in Luke 9:28-36, and who are the key figures involved in this event? How does this relate to the concept of divine glory? [22:43]

2. In Exodus 34:29-35, what happens to Moses after he comes down from Mount Sinai, and how do the people react to him? What does this signify about God's presence? [24:45]

3. According to 2 Corinthians 3:18, what is the process described by Paul, and how does it relate to the idea of transformation in the Christian life? [29:17]

4. How does the sermon describe the disciples' reaction during the Transfiguration, and what does this reveal about their understanding of Jesus' mission? [26:52]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the Transfiguration of Jesus serve as a moment of divine revelation, and what does it teach about the nature of Jesus' mission on earth? [26:52]

2. In what ways does the story of Moses and the Israelites illustrate God's patience and willingness to offer second chances? How does this apply to our own spiritual journeys? [24:45]

3. How does Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus exemplify the idea of continuous transformation in the Christian faith? What does this suggest about the nature of spiritual growth? [29:17]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of "icons of faith" in our lives, and how can they inspire us to live out our faith authentically? [31:15]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "mountaintop" moment in your faith. How did it impact your spiritual journey, and how can you draw strength from it during challenging times? [29:17]

2. Consider the concept of "enduring transformation" in your own life. What steps can you take to ensure that your spiritual journey is one of continuous growth rather than peaking at a single moment? [24:45]

3. How can you embody the patience and willingness to offer second chances, as demonstrated by God with the Israelites, in your relationships with others? [24:45]

4. In what ways can you serve others in the "valleys" of life, following Jesus' example of ministering to the marginalized and outcast? How can this bring true glory to God? [29:17]

5. Identify a person in your life who serves as an "icon of faith" for you. What specific qualities do they exhibit that reflect the image of Christ, and how can you incorporate those qualities into your own life? [31:15]

6. As we approach Lent, what specific practices or disciplines can you adopt to deepen your relationship with God and be transformed into a "little Christ"? [33:53]

7. How can you live out your faith in the mundane and challenging aspects of life, ensuring that your daily actions reflect the image of Jesus? [33:53]

Devotional

Day 1: Continuous Transformation in Faith
Our spiritual journey is not a static experience but a dynamic process of continuous transformation. This transformation is not about reaching a peak and then declining; rather, it is about growing from one degree of glory to another. As we strive to become more like Christ in our daily lives, we are reminded that our faith is not defined by singular moments of glory but by the daily commitment to live in reflection of Christ. This ongoing transformation is exemplified by figures like Paul, who, despite not having repeated mountaintop experiences, continued to grow in faith and became a pivotal figure in spreading the gospel. [24:45]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stagnant in your faith? How can you invite God to transform this area today?


Day 2: Embracing Divine Patience and Second Chances
The story of Moses and the Israelites illustrates God's enduring patience and willingness to offer second chances. Despite the repeated failures of the Israelites, God continued to work in and through them, inviting them to rise and try again. This divine patience is a reminder that God is always ready to offer us another chance, no matter how many times we fall short. It encourages us to extend the same patience and grace to ourselves and others, knowing that our journey is one of growth and learning. [26:52]

"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever." (Psalm 103:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent failure or mistake. How can you embrace God's patience and offer yourself a second chance today?


Day 3: Finding Glory in the Valleys
While mountaintop experiences are significant, the true test of our faith is how we live in the valleys. Jesus' ministry was among the marginalized, teaching us that true glory is found in serving others and walking alongside them in their struggles. This perspective challenges us to find meaning and purpose in the mundane and challenging aspects of life, recognizing that these moments are opportunities to reflect Christ's love and compassion. [29:17]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life is currently in a valley? How can you walk alongside them and reflect Christ's love today?


Day 4: Icons of Faith Reflecting Christ
True icons of faith are not those who seek glory for themselves but those who consistently reflect the image of Christ. These individuals inspire us to live out our faith authentically, not for recognition but to embody Christ's love and compassion. As we look to these icons, whether they are historical figures or personal mentors, we are reminded that our journey is about reflecting the image of Jesus in our everyday lives. [31:15]

"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1, ESV)

Reflection: Who is an icon of faith in your life? How can you emulate their Christ-like behavior in your own life today?


Day 5: Lenten Reflection and Transformation
As we enter Lent, we are called to reflect on how we can be transformed into "little Christs." This season invites us to deepen our relationship with God, seeking to live out our faith in ways that bring about a new degree of glory each day. Lent is a time for introspection and growth, challenging us to examine our lives and make changes that align us more closely with the image of Christ. [33:53]

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific habit or behavior you can change during Lent to become more like Christ? How will you commit to this transformation today?

Quotes

"Now, she's a bit of a pessimist, but I think it's intriguing to consider the peaks of our life. I'm pretty sure my glory days were seminary. I was working out regularly, so I felt healthy. I was probably at my most fit. I took a regular Sabbath, which allowed me to actually enjoy some of my graduate school reading." [00:22:43] (20 seconds)


"But the trouble with talking about peaking is that it really as easy as my friend said, that it's all down here and downhill from there, that nothing else is ever really as good. That's not true, is it? Sure, we're not the age that the media would like to say is the best years, right? Your teens and your early 20s. But that doesn't mean that our lives are not without their moments of glory." [00:23:14] (28 seconds)


"If you keep reading the Old Testament, you know that we get more than just one second chance. We get about a thousand second chances. Even in the exile, God is still working in us, with us, and through us. Then we get to Jesus, our millionth chance. And we still don't really respond appropriately, do we? Just take today's reading. The disciples are sleeping as Jesus is being transfigured before them." [00:25:00] (29 seconds)


"Listen to him! This is my chosen one. And so, despite Peter's very honest and human response to say, let's just put up some tents here. Let's just live in these glory days. Instead, both God and Jesus essentially say, no. There's more work to do. There's more listening to do. Our glory days, our mountaintop experiences are great, but it's how they influence our times in the valleys of life that matter." [00:26:18] (34 seconds)


"When I'm having moments of doubt, or I let cynicism of the church get into my life, I have to remind myself of those moments when I felt on the mountain, closest to God, in tune with where God was calling me, and the meaning that Jesus had placed on my life. Those mountaintop moments can get you through some deep, dark nights of the soul." [00:26:52] (23 seconds)


"Jesus knows what he could have, but that wouldn't teach us the true identity of God, a God that is not of glory but of suffering, a God that doesn't look for a claim and acknowledgement but instead says, I'm going to be beside you when you're hurting and troubled, a God that doesn't seek royalty but shows his glory through being a servant of all." [00:28:01] (29 seconds)


"Being a Christian is always easier on the mountaintop than in the valley. Prayer is easier when we feel God's presence in it. Worship is easier when we feel the Holy Spirit's tangible energy. Life has more meaning when we can see where God's gifting in us is being used for kingdom work. But what about the everyday? Paul knows this. He knows this firsthand. He got the Damascus road experience." [00:28:39] (31 seconds)


"He had to keep being a Christian, holding tightly to that experience to strengthen him when he was in prison and when he was shipwrecked twice. In the valleys of life, he wrote of the transforming work of the gospel. He writes that we are transformed from one degree of glory into another. So for Paul, there is no quote -unquote glory days, a peak of our perfect life or even our perfect Christian faith. Instead, we grow in glory each and every day." [00:29:29] (34 seconds)


"But the thing with a true icon of faith is that it's not someone who gained fame and glory, but one that reflected the image or likeness of Jesus. My guess is that you can think of a few people in your life that are or were true icons of faith, people that embody Christ -like behavior. They have become what Luther coined little Christs." [00:31:15] (28 seconds)


"And you likely cannot pinpoint one particular moment in their life when they became an icon of faith to you, because a true icon resembles Jesus not just once in a while, but as often as possible. Our Christian life is a journey. It'll have highs and it'll have lows. It will have moments when we feel perfectly attuned with the Spirit and moments when we feel utterly separated." [00:31:48] (30 seconds)


"But there are no glory days or the rest is downhill. That surely wasn't the case for the Israelites wandering in the desert, for they should have been abandoned, but God continued to bless them and transform them into the great kingdom of Israel. It surely wasn't the case for the disciples, who should have been rebuked for once again sleeping on the job and staying silent after such an amazing, glorifying experience." [00:32:16] (27 seconds)


"God is along for the whole journey. And for us, there are no peaks of faith. There are no glory days of faith. It's the way that we live our lives, day in and day out, that's the true evidence of a life lived in faith, a life lived in reflection of Jesus." [00:33:05] (23 seconds)


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Transcript
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