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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 6, 2005 Photo Opportunity |
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FRONTLINE DEVOTION FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2005 By Fritz
Foltz
Matthew
17: 1-9
Think of the Transfiguration as a first century photo opportunity. We are
all familiar with celebrities wanting to be photographed as much as possible.
Exposure is essential for their careers. Sometimes they are careful to be
snapped at the right place with the right people. Politicians think if
they appear with poor people, they shall appear to be compassionate champions of
social justice. Movie stars believe if they are caught at hot spots they will
appear glamorous.
Sadly, politicians now would rather be associated with athletes than poor
people. Other celebrities opt to appear with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck at
Disneyland. The object seems to be simply making everyone feel good.
It almost as if the apostles thought they were in Disneyland or at least some
kind of fantasyland in our lesson. They act as if Jesus might as well be
conversing with Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. "Isn't this nice," they
respond, "Don't we feel good? Why don't we build three monuments so people
remember what happened here and of course that we were involved”. With that a
voice booms. "Forget about the stupid monuments. This is my Son, listen to
him. Try to hear what he is telling you"
It helps to stop and ask why Jesus would seek a photo opportunity with Moses and
Elijah. Moses obviously represents God’s law, the principles on which the good
life is based. Elijah represents the prophets who call on us to repent when we
do not live by those good-given principles.
Beyond that both Old Testament figures are well known for opposing the powerful
and supporting the weak. Moses leads slaves to freedom by opposing the mighty
Pharaoh of Egypt. Elijah is always helping poor widows or helpless small
farmers. Like all the prophets he insists that we are judged by how we treat the
poorest of the poor.
When Jesus appears with these two, he clearly is illustrating he will support
the law and prophets of the Old Testament. He further will care for the needy in
every way possible. As his followers, his representatives in this time and
place, those are our ideals as well. We are not in the business of contriving
photo opportunities as public relations schemes. But we are in the business of
teaching and living by God’s principles and by calling people to repentance
when they do not. In doing this, we shall often find ourselves championing the
poorest of the poor and confronting the powerful.
Let us pray: Rescue us from our fantasylands, Father, and keep us grounded in
reality. Grant us the courage to care for the needy and to do it according to
your ways. We pray n Jesus’ name. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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