WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.280 Amen. Well, I trust we'll be able to continue in our worship as we look at this marvellous passage together. 00:00:05.400 --> 00:00:08.040 Can I just add to Tim's welcome to all of you. 00:00:08.460 --> 00:00:14.620 It's great to be here today and to be able to seek to understand what God is saying to us. 00:00:14.620 --> 00:00:17.420 Can I thank all of you who have been praying for me? 00:00:17.859 --> 00:00:23.280 Some of you remember the last time I stood here, it didn't go quite so well because I'd forgotten I was speaking. 00:00:23.900 --> 00:00:26.859 Graham sent me a text last night to say, everything okay for tomorrow, Paul? 00:00:26.859 --> 00:00:30.780 And I could not resist but reply by saying, Graham, what's happening tomorrow? 00:00:31.939 --> 00:00:36.460 So we do like Graham's prayer life to be enhanced a little bit. 00:00:36.920 --> 00:00:40.920 But I did put him out of his misery after just a minute or two. I felt that was a little bit too cruel. 00:00:42.039 --> 00:00:47.480 I'm not too sure where to start because this morning has been such an insight into the stuff that's going on in some of your minds already. 00:00:47.899 --> 00:00:50.079 Everything from chewing gum to bakeries. 00:00:51.079 --> 00:00:53.060 And, you know, it's just fascinating. 00:00:53.760 --> 00:00:56.760 The fact that we all come here in kind of very different places. 00:00:57.659 --> 00:01:02.799 But if I could try and summarize today's message in just three words. 00:01:03.200 --> 00:01:04.400 Do you think we can manage three words? 00:01:04.599 --> 00:01:07.120 Really try and keep them in our heads for today. 00:01:07.200 --> 00:01:09.200 It's the three words that are on the screen there. 00:01:09.500 --> 00:01:10.000 Three words. 00:01:10.239 --> 00:01:10.680 Stop. 00:01:11.280 --> 00:01:11.760 Look. 00:01:12.439 --> 00:01:12.879 Listen. 00:01:13.400 --> 00:01:15.920 Very familiar words from children onwards. 00:01:16.340 --> 00:01:23.280 But as we approach this passage of the transfiguration, these are the three words that I want to encourage us all to have in our minds. 00:01:23.460 --> 00:01:23.939 Stop. 00:01:24.539 --> 00:01:25.019 Look. 00:01:25.900 --> 00:01:26.280 Listen. 00:01:26.859 --> 00:01:38.060 Isn't it the case that it seems as though all of us are incredibly busy a lot of the time and as a result are often just seem to be living life at such a rapid pace? 00:01:38.379 --> 00:01:41.239 Already I've asked one or two of you how you are today. 00:01:41.879 --> 00:01:47.859 And the answer has been busy or tired. 00:01:47.859 --> 00:01:52.539 Those seem to be two of the familiar responses, don't they? 00:01:53.180 --> 00:01:58.079 And what is it about our life where everything seems to be kind of speeding up somehow or other? 00:01:58.739 --> 00:02:02.700 Even I did a little speed test on my Wi-Fi at home. 00:02:02.700 --> 00:02:05.180 I've got no idea what the numbers mean. 00:02:05.180 --> 00:02:07.859 But all I know is a year or two ago it was one. 00:02:08.500 --> 00:02:09.819 And now it's 50. 00:02:10.340 --> 00:02:13.740 Now I know Phil at the back will be able to explain exactly what that is. 00:02:13.740 --> 00:02:19.580 But somehow or other in the course of a year or two it's 50 times faster than it was. 00:02:20.240 --> 00:02:22.800 And it's all just going at such a pace. 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:28.120 It's almost like email is now a little bit too slow because you have to press a couple of buttons or sort of log in to get it. 00:02:28.120 --> 00:02:32.080 So we use more instant forms of communication like WhatsApp. 00:02:32.219 --> 00:02:33.219 So it's just there. 00:02:33.620 --> 00:02:35.599 And we can do it all really quickly. 00:02:35.939 --> 00:02:38.439 We can pay for things more quickly than ever. 00:02:38.840 --> 00:02:41.400 This is my chance to show off my watch which I can simply flash. 00:02:41.759 --> 00:02:42.599 And there I go, I've paid. 00:02:42.700 --> 00:02:44.200 I hardly need to even think about it. 00:02:44.580 --> 00:02:47.200 I can just go on to buy even the next thing. 00:02:47.599 --> 00:02:50.659 And it's so different to the days where, do you remember standing in the line? 00:02:50.939 --> 00:02:52.960 And you sort of thought, oh no, somebody's about to bring out a cheque. 00:02:53.340 --> 00:02:55.520 And you were just getting ready for that long. 00:02:55.520 --> 00:02:57.400 Some of you are too young to even remember. 00:02:57.400 --> 00:02:59.140 Have you all heard of cheques? 00:02:59.580 --> 00:03:03.200 It was a way in which you used to be able to pay and you had to write something out. 00:03:03.819 --> 00:03:09.540 And if you were in a queue in the supermarket it would take about five minutes for the person to actually write out their cheques. 00:03:10.460 --> 00:03:16.719 I know that for myself as I go back to work tomorrow I'm getting ready to squeeze in about a dozen meetings in the course of the day. 00:03:16.800 --> 00:03:20.740 And I feel for those of you with only 12 minute long appointments to see your patients. 00:03:20.740 --> 00:03:24.620 Or those of you who have to bill for every six minutes of your time. 00:03:24.620 --> 00:03:31.620 No wonder that for many of us the answer that we give when we're asked how we are is either busy or tired. 00:03:32.500 --> 00:03:35.620 And yeah, there's a risk, isn't it? 00:03:35.879 --> 00:03:36.319 Isn't it? 00:03:36.360 --> 00:03:42.520 That in our life there can be a relentlessness about it all. 00:03:42.520 --> 00:03:51.920 And even in our church services there's a risk that we kind of rush in, that we are stimulated with lots of things going on. 00:03:52.060 --> 00:03:57.800 And we sort of rush out and rush back into the rest of life and all that awaits us today. 00:03:57.900 --> 00:04:04.680 And some of you are probably already thinking about all that you need to pack in between a quarter to one and the time you go to bed. 00:04:04.680 --> 00:04:22.319 And the invitation that I think we have today from Jesus himself as we look at the transfiguration is that actually at times what we need to do and what he invites us to do is stop. 00:04:22.319 --> 00:04:31.639 We need to take a bit of time out and we need to reflect more deeply on all that's going on. 00:04:33.339 --> 00:04:37.259 But not just that, we need to have a really good look. 00:04:37.959 --> 00:04:41.980 We need to have a really good look at Jesus and who he is. 00:04:41.980 --> 00:04:56.800 Because I wonder as I look around and as I look into my own heart whether in all of this hurrying and scurrying and relentlessness and restlessness at times we've lost sight of who Jesus really is. 00:04:58.200 --> 00:05:05.620 And we're not necessarily acknowledging it to ourselves but if we stop and pause have we lost sight of who he is? 00:05:05.620 --> 00:05:11.920 I speak particularly to those who have been followers of Jesus perhaps for many years, perhaps for a lifetime. 00:05:12.840 --> 00:05:16.060 Have we lost sight of who he really is? 00:05:16.700 --> 00:05:22.900 And how are we getting on at the whole business of listening to what he has to say to us? 00:05:23.220 --> 00:05:25.379 Stop. Look. Listen. 00:05:25.460 --> 00:05:27.240 Now how am I getting all of that from this passage? 00:05:27.360 --> 00:05:30.340 Well let's try and understand a little bit about the passage. 00:05:30.340 --> 00:05:38.379 It's useful if you can have your Bibles open or indeed on your phone or whatever as we try and get stuck into this passage in Luke chapter 9. 00:05:38.379 --> 00:05:43.899 And let me try and explain why I think there's this invitation at the very start of it to stop. 00:05:43.899 --> 00:05:56.099 If you were here last week we looked at some really challenging verses in Luke chapter 9 down to verse 27 where Jesus had been giving some really tough teaching. 00:05:56.719 --> 00:06:01.599 He'd been making it clear to his disciples and followers that he was going to be heading to his death. 00:06:01.600 --> 00:06:09.460 And he had just been talking to them about how costly it was going to be to follow him as Luke was bringing to us. 00:06:10.400 --> 00:06:14.660 And then he says to his three disciples, Peter, James and John, 00:06:14.660 --> 00:06:18.660 Do you know what? We're going to go on a long, long walk. 00:06:19.040 --> 00:06:22.200 Matthew says it wasn't just a small hill that they were climbing up. 00:06:22.340 --> 00:06:25.300 It was a high mountain that they were climbing up. 00:06:26.240 --> 00:06:33.520 And in the middle of all of that scurrying and busyness, they went on a long mountain climb. 00:06:35.180 --> 00:06:38.740 And you notice, and I had never noticed this before until I got stuck into this passage. 00:06:38.740 --> 00:06:45.879 I just thought, in my own mind, transfiguration, short walk up small hill, marvellous thing happens, walk downhill. 00:06:46.600 --> 00:06:50.079 But that's, yeah, if you've got that in your head at some point, that's probably what was going on. 00:06:50.259 --> 00:06:51.759 Actually, that wasn't what happens. 00:06:51.939 --> 00:06:55.400 Because if you look at verse 37, it says, 00:06:55.639 --> 00:07:00.860 The next day when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 00:07:01.079 --> 00:07:08.379 So I don't think it's stretching it to conclude that the long walk up the mountain was then followed by a long time at the top of the mountain. 00:07:08.379 --> 00:07:10.279 And probably a sleepover. 00:07:10.879 --> 00:07:13.620 And then they walked down the next day. 00:07:13.740 --> 00:07:17.540 So in the middle of this passage, where we've had a really busy time, 00:07:18.120 --> 00:07:25.319 Jesus takes this full day and a bit with his three disciples on this mountain. 00:07:25.899 --> 00:07:31.439 And notice what happens at the end of it when he comes back down the mountain at verse 37. 00:07:31.620 --> 00:07:36.459 When he comes back down, he comes to a scene of complete chaos. 00:07:36.459 --> 00:07:40.799 There's a large crowd just waiting for him. 00:07:41.219 --> 00:07:43.879 There's a man in absolute despair. 00:07:44.539 --> 00:07:46.859 There's evidence of demonic activity. 00:07:47.419 --> 00:07:51.919 There's a young boy who's being thrown into convulsions. 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:56.740 And there's disciples feeling hopeless and powerless and completely out of control. 00:07:56.740 --> 00:08:09.019 But sandwiched in the middle of all of this busyness and frenetic activity is this period where Jesus and his three disciples are able to stop. 00:08:09.019 --> 00:08:16.620 And let's just picture the scene. 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:23.039 As Jesus says to them, we're going to go on a prayer walk. 00:08:24.039 --> 00:08:32.679 Ian reminded us when he preached last week that we need to watch out for what happens when Jesus says he's going to pray. 00:08:33.679 --> 00:08:34.340 Do you remember that one? 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:41.980 I wonder how much that teaching has challenged you and challenged me to be people who recognize our need of prayer. 00:08:42.300 --> 00:08:51.660 I've been struck by the fact that it seems in some ways that Jesus felt the need or had the desire to be praying more than I have. 00:08:51.659 --> 00:09:00.500 What's going on there if some of us feel that we can live our lives in all that frenetic activity? 00:09:00.899 --> 00:09:03.539 In a sense of prayerlessness. 00:09:04.480 --> 00:09:09.799 When we look at the example of Jesus and see his determination. 00:09:09.799 --> 00:09:14.359 Despite all the things that needed his attention. 00:09:14.359 --> 00:09:16.819 Despite all the people who needed his attention. 00:09:17.359 --> 00:09:18.299 To take time out. 00:09:18.559 --> 00:09:19.959 To go the long walk. 00:09:20.639 --> 00:09:25.339 And to take the full day and potentially the night in prayer. 00:09:26.659 --> 00:09:27.779 So there they are. 00:09:27.899 --> 00:09:28.319 Praying. 00:09:28.759 --> 00:09:29.120 Walking. 00:09:29.679 --> 00:09:31.659 Heading up that mountain. 00:09:33.019 --> 00:09:35.159 And what was going to happen as they headed up? 00:09:35.159 --> 00:09:41.240 Well I had the opportunity to get away this week with my family. 00:09:41.699 --> 00:09:46.600 And somewhat unusually we decided to try to walk up. 00:09:46.699 --> 00:09:47.860 I'm going to call it a mountain. 00:09:48.259 --> 00:09:51.240 Some might decide to challenge it and describe it as a small hill. 00:09:51.439 --> 00:09:53.000 But I don't have any pictures as evidence. 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:54.459 So we will describe it as a mountain. 00:09:54.679 --> 00:09:56.199 We have a dog now. 00:09:56.199 --> 00:10:00.879 And this is being used as a great excuse to subject our young children to increasing levels of walking. 00:10:01.000 --> 00:10:02.579 Because we remind them that they wanted the dog. 00:10:02.879 --> 00:10:04.059 And dogs mean walking. 00:10:04.059 --> 00:10:09.119 But the great thing about the walk up the mountain was of course every twist and turn. 00:10:09.219 --> 00:10:10.479 We thought we were nearly at the top. 00:10:10.559 --> 00:10:12.679 But then another twist and turn came. 00:10:12.759 --> 00:10:13.459 You know what it's like. 00:10:13.519 --> 00:10:17.759 Those of you who have tried recently to walk up a mountain. 00:10:18.279 --> 00:10:21.719 But the great thing when we actually got to the top. 00:10:22.079 --> 00:10:25.899 Was the way in which our perspective totally changed. 00:10:26.519 --> 00:10:28.439 For us that mountain was next to. 00:10:28.539 --> 00:10:30.000 Was on the shores of Loch Fyne. 00:10:30.000 --> 00:10:34.019 And where we'd only been able to see a little bit of the loch as we drove along. 00:10:34.059 --> 00:10:35.599 By getting up to the top. 00:10:35.739 --> 00:10:37.679 Suddenly the view changed. 00:10:38.079 --> 00:10:39.979 Our entire perspective changed. 00:10:40.099 --> 00:10:47.119 And we were able to look right down the magnificence of the entirety it seemed of Loch Fyne. 00:10:47.179 --> 00:10:48.759 Right out to sea. 00:10:50.279 --> 00:10:51.239 And it was all worth it. 00:10:52.639 --> 00:10:53.559 We'd stopped. 00:10:54.099 --> 00:10:55.219 We'd gone that walk. 00:10:55.220 --> 00:10:59.240 And we were able to get an entirely different view. 00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:03.200 But what we saw that day this week. 00:11:03.560 --> 00:11:06.220 Paled into complete insignificance. 00:11:07.220 --> 00:11:10.220 Compared to what Peter, James and John saw. 00:11:11.379 --> 00:11:14.480 As they completed their mountain climb. 00:11:15.040 --> 00:11:19.540 They have the experience of looking at Jesus. 00:11:20.539 --> 00:11:21.500 And this time. 00:11:21.919 --> 00:11:24.860 Seeing him for who he really is. 00:11:24.959 --> 00:11:27.919 Now I love the fact that their vision of Jesus. 00:11:28.099 --> 00:11:30.559 Their experience of the transfiguration. 00:11:30.980 --> 00:11:35.939 Didn't actually depend on them being really, really brilliant followers of Jesus. 00:11:36.079 --> 00:11:36.939 Because you notice there. 00:11:37.199 --> 00:11:39.219 They're actually in Luke it tells us they were sleepy. 00:11:39.659 --> 00:11:39.839 Right. 00:11:39.899 --> 00:11:41.779 They were weak and they were frail. 00:11:41.779 --> 00:11:44.199 And they were about to pretty much miss the whole thing. 00:11:44.200 --> 00:11:45.879 But despite that. 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:47.160 This wasn't about them. 00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:48.920 This was actually about Jesus. 00:11:49.620 --> 00:11:51.140 And so as they get to that. 00:11:51.440 --> 00:11:54.200 As they get to the top of the mountain. 00:11:54.360 --> 00:11:56.200 We read in verse 29. 00:11:56.740 --> 00:11:58.120 That as he was praying. 00:11:58.480 --> 00:12:00.920 The appearance of his face changed. 00:12:01.360 --> 00:12:03.759 And his clothes became as bright. 00:12:04.160 --> 00:12:06.200 As a flash of lightning. 00:12:06.440 --> 00:12:07.800 The incredible reality. 00:12:08.240 --> 00:12:10.340 Of who Jesus really is. 00:12:10.720 --> 00:12:12.400 Is seen clearly. 00:12:12.399 --> 00:12:14.480 By all those of them at the top of the mountain. 00:12:14.480 --> 00:12:16.939 It's as though a veil is removed. 00:12:17.439 --> 00:12:18.720 And the glory of Jesus. 00:12:19.220 --> 00:12:21.620 Is seen for what it really is. 00:12:21.759 --> 00:12:23.919 He who had made himself nothing. 00:12:24.500 --> 00:12:27.340 He who took on the nature of a servant. 00:12:27.819 --> 00:12:29.399 Who was made in human likeness. 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:31.639 Is for a short period of time. 00:12:32.059 --> 00:12:34.340 Seen for who he really is. 00:12:35.419 --> 00:12:36.759 The apostle John. 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:38.100 Years later. 00:12:38.539 --> 00:12:39.879 Would have a vision. 00:12:40.299 --> 00:12:42.039 Of what Jesus would be like. 00:12:42.399 --> 00:12:43.879 In the book of Revelation. 00:12:44.099 --> 00:12:45.679 As he looks at the events. 00:12:45.679 --> 00:12:47.159 That will lead to the wrapping up. 00:12:47.159 --> 00:12:48.079 Of this world. 00:12:48.459 --> 00:12:49.519 And the ushering in. 00:12:49.759 --> 00:12:50.620 Of eternity. 00:12:51.279 --> 00:12:53.279 And as John gets a vision of Jesus. 00:12:53.279 --> 00:12:54.639 In the book of Revelation. 00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:56.219 I wonder whether John. 00:12:57.019 --> 00:12:57.659 Reflects. 00:12:57.919 --> 00:12:59.319 On some of the similarities. 00:12:59.919 --> 00:13:01.139 Between what was seen. 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:02.339 On that mountain. 00:13:03.559 --> 00:13:04.679 And what Jesus. 00:13:05.279 --> 00:13:06.620 Is going to be like. 00:13:06.959 --> 00:13:08.679 As he will be seen. 00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:10.379 By all of us. 00:13:10.379 --> 00:13:11.100 One day. 00:13:11.220 --> 00:13:12.059 And so. 00:13:12.299 --> 00:13:13.779 In Revelation chapter 1. 00:13:13.860 --> 00:13:14.539 If you want to. 00:13:15.019 --> 00:13:16.439 Flick over to it. 00:13:16.559 --> 00:13:18.039 In Revelation chapter 1. 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:20.100 We read in verse 12. 00:13:20.200 --> 00:13:20.639 John saying. 00:13:20.740 --> 00:13:21.399 I turned round. 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:22.340 To see the voice. 00:13:22.580 --> 00:13:23.559 That was speaking to me. 00:13:23.600 --> 00:13:24.299 And when I turned. 00:13:24.519 --> 00:13:26.500 I saw seven golden lampstands. 00:13:26.620 --> 00:13:27.860 And among the lampstands. 00:13:27.860 --> 00:13:29.419 Was someone like a son of man. 00:13:29.779 --> 00:13:30.759 Dressed in a robe. 00:13:30.820 --> 00:13:32.120 Reaching down to his feet. 00:13:32.399 --> 00:13:33.639 And with a golden sash. 00:13:33.639 --> 00:13:34.559 Around his chest. 00:13:34.559 --> 00:13:35.959 The hair on his head. 00:13:36.059 --> 00:13:37.079 Was white like wool. 00:13:37.299 --> 00:13:38.459 As white as snow. 00:13:38.759 --> 00:13:39.500 And his eyes. 00:13:39.599 --> 00:13:41.079 Were like blazing fire. 00:13:41.539 --> 00:13:42.279 His feet. 00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:43.299 Were like bronze. 00:13:43.500 --> 00:13:44.579 Glowing in a furnace. 00:13:44.879 --> 00:13:45.539 And his voice. 00:13:45.659 --> 00:13:46.379 Was like the sound. 00:13:46.459 --> 00:13:47.619 Of rushing waters. 00:13:47.859 --> 00:13:48.759 In his right hand. 00:13:48.839 --> 00:13:50.159 He held seven stars. 00:13:50.479 --> 00:13:51.599 And coming out of his mouth. 00:13:51.659 --> 00:13:53.139 Was a sharp double-edged sword. 00:13:53.479 --> 00:13:54.119 His face. 00:13:54.199 --> 00:13:55.099 Was like the sun. 00:13:55.599 --> 00:13:57.459 Shining in all its brilliance. 00:13:57.899 --> 00:13:58.879 When I saw him. 00:13:59.259 --> 00:14:00.819 I fell at his feet. 00:14:01.179 --> 00:14:01.959 As though. 00:14:02.459 --> 00:14:02.719 Dead. 00:14:02.720 --> 00:14:04.720 Moses. 00:14:04.720 --> 00:14:05.279 Moses. 00:14:05.279 --> 00:14:06.519 And Elijah. 00:14:07.160 --> 00:14:07.720 Appear. 00:14:08.240 --> 00:14:08.960 Alongside. 00:14:09.379 --> 00:14:09.720 Jesus. 00:14:10.720 --> 00:14:12.019 And they are described. 00:14:12.160 --> 00:14:12.940 In verse 30. 00:14:13.080 --> 00:14:13.660 As appearing. 00:14:13.940 --> 00:14:14.580 In glorious. 00:14:15.060 --> 00:14:15.560 Splendor. 00:14:15.980 --> 00:14:16.379 Talking. 00:14:16.800 --> 00:14:17.460 With Jesus. 00:14:18.300 --> 00:14:18.800 And then. 00:14:18.960 --> 00:14:20.040 And talking about. 00:14:20.200 --> 00:14:21.000 His departure. 00:14:21.160 --> 00:14:22.220 And then in verse 32. 00:14:22.800 --> 00:14:23.320 We read. 00:14:23.480 --> 00:14:23.879 That Peter. 00:14:24.080 --> 00:14:25.019 And his companions. 00:14:25.160 --> 00:14:26.259 When they had woken up. 00:14:26.639 --> 00:14:27.139 Saw. 00:14:27.480 --> 00:14:27.960 His. 00:14:28.580 --> 00:14:29.019 Glory. 00:14:29.960 --> 00:14:30.700 Peter then. 00:14:30.980 --> 00:14:31.920 True to form. 00:14:31.920 --> 00:14:32.680 In that. 00:14:32.720 --> 00:14:33.160 Wonderful. 00:14:33.360 --> 00:14:33.560 Kind of. 00:14:33.560 --> 00:14:34.340 Impetuous. 00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:35.279 Way. 00:14:35.279 --> 00:14:35.840 That we see. 00:14:35.840 --> 00:14:36.660 So much of. 00:14:36.980 --> 00:14:37.800 Blurts out. 00:14:37.960 --> 00:14:38.800 The first thing. 00:14:39.120 --> 00:14:40.460 That seems to come into his. 00:14:40.840 --> 00:14:41.000 Mind. 00:14:41.100 --> 00:14:41.519 He's. 00:14:41.519 --> 00:14:42.639 He's captivated. 00:14:42.639 --> 00:14:43.240 By the vision. 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:44.100 Of what he sees. 00:14:44.340 --> 00:14:45.639 And he immediately suggests. 00:14:45.820 --> 00:14:46.500 The starting. 00:14:46.500 --> 00:14:48.240 Of a small construction project. 00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:49.279 That he. 00:14:49.560 --> 00:14:50.040 Should build. 00:14:50.279 --> 00:14:51.040 Three shelters. 00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:52.040 For Jesus. 00:14:52.320 --> 00:14:52.820 For Moses. 00:14:53.279 --> 00:14:54.320 And for Elijah. 00:14:54.379 --> 00:14:55.740 I don't know where he was going to get the material. 00:14:55.740 --> 00:14:56.440 For it all. 00:14:56.660 --> 00:14:57.700 But his enthusiasm. 00:14:57.700 --> 00:14:58.440 Was there. 00:14:58.660 --> 00:14:59.220 But even. 00:14:59.320 --> 00:15:00.259 As he is speaking. 00:15:00.259 --> 00:15:01.559 He becomes terrified. 00:15:01.960 --> 00:15:02.799 As a cloud. 00:15:03.139 --> 00:15:03.819 Descends. 00:15:04.200 --> 00:15:05.679 And envelops him. 00:15:06.059 --> 00:15:07.399 And the other disciples. 00:15:08.100 --> 00:15:09.039 And indeed Jesus. 00:15:09.200 --> 00:15:10.059 And then they hear. 00:15:10.259 --> 00:15:11.419 In verse 35. 00:15:11.620 --> 00:15:12.460 These wonderful. 00:15:13.100 --> 00:15:13.539 Words. 00:15:15.340 --> 00:15:15.899 The voice. 00:15:15.980 --> 00:15:16.879 Of God himself. 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:17.580 Saying. 00:15:17.819 --> 00:15:18.939 This is my son. 00:15:19.759 --> 00:15:20.120 Whom. 00:15:20.279 --> 00:15:21.000 I have chosen. 00:15:21.600 --> 00:15:22.419 Listen to him. 00:15:22.419 --> 00:15:25.179 And once the voice is spoken. 00:15:25.779 --> 00:15:26.959 They find that Jesus. 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:27.659 Is. 00:15:27.979 --> 00:15:28.339 Alone. 00:15:29.860 --> 00:15:30.599 They've stopped. 00:15:31.319 --> 00:15:32.639 And this is their chance. 00:15:32.860 --> 00:15:33.639 To look. 00:15:34.079 --> 00:15:34.699 At Jesus. 00:15:36.299 --> 00:15:37.659 I think there's at least. 00:15:37.899 --> 00:15:38.899 Four things. 00:15:39.259 --> 00:15:39.839 That they. 00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:40.919 Would have. 00:15:41.179 --> 00:15:41.459 Seen. 00:15:42.079 --> 00:15:43.000 And four things. 00:15:43.099 --> 00:15:43.500 That I hope. 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:44.579 We can see. 00:15:44.979 --> 00:15:46.439 As we take a really good look. 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:46.879 At Jesus. 00:15:47.019 --> 00:15:47.539 This morning. 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:48.599 One. 00:15:49.339 --> 00:15:49.759 Jesus. 00:15:49.759 --> 00:15:51.039 Is God's. 00:15:51.039 --> 00:15:51.959 Glorious. 00:15:51.959 --> 00:15:52.659 Son. 00:15:53.599 --> 00:15:53.839 This. 00:15:54.079 --> 00:15:54.919 Was confirmed. 00:15:55.179 --> 00:15:55.480 Here. 00:15:55.659 --> 00:15:56.179 In verse. 00:15:56.599 --> 00:15:57.240 35. 00:15:57.559 --> 00:15:58.179 By God. 00:15:58.539 --> 00:15:59.059 Himself. 00:16:00.019 --> 00:16:00.360 Yes. 00:16:00.419 --> 00:16:01.019 His glory. 00:16:01.179 --> 00:16:01.679 When here. 00:16:01.839 --> 00:16:02.299 On earth. 00:16:02.459 --> 00:16:03.360 Was sometimes. 00:16:03.360 --> 00:16:03.959 Veiled. 00:16:04.559 --> 00:16:04.839 Yes. 00:16:04.899 --> 00:16:05.539 He remains. 00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:06.120 Often. 00:16:06.319 --> 00:16:06.899 Unseen. 00:16:07.259 --> 00:16:08.039 And misunderstood. 00:16:08.919 --> 00:16:09.899 But this passage. 00:16:10.019 --> 00:16:10.679 Tells us. 00:16:10.939 --> 00:16:11.500 That he is. 00:16:11.759 --> 00:16:12.159 Holy. 00:16:12.799 --> 00:16:13.319 Pure. 00:16:13.779 --> 00:16:14.959 And glorious. 00:16:15.360 --> 00:16:15.740 Peter. 00:16:16.120 --> 00:16:16.919 Reflecting. 00:16:16.919 --> 00:16:18.299 On what he saw. 00:16:18.299 --> 00:16:18.959 In. 00:16:19.139 --> 00:16:19.399 Second. 00:16:19.539 --> 00:16:19.819 Peter. 00:16:19.959 --> 00:16:20.279 Chapter. 00:16:20.279 --> 00:16:20.679 One. 00:16:20.679 --> 00:16:21.359 Verse. 00:16:21.599 --> 00:16:22.079 16. 00:16:22.239 --> 00:16:22.739 Says this. 00:16:22.979 --> 00:16:23.719 We didn't follow. 00:16:23.859 --> 00:16:25.359 Cleverly devised stories. 00:16:25.739 --> 00:16:28.519 When we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:28.519 --> 00:16:29.239 In power. 00:16:29.859 --> 00:16:32.620 But we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:34.620 He received honor. 00:16:34.939 --> 00:16:35.659 And glory. 00:16:35.659 --> 00:16:36.819 From God the Father. 00:16:37.079 --> 00:16:38.539 When the voice came to him. 00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:39.719 From the majestic glory. 00:16:39.859 --> 00:16:40.079 Saying. 00:16:40.339 --> 00:16:41.219 This is my son. 00:16:41.519 --> 00:16:42.159 Whom I love. 00:16:42.239 --> 00:16:42.699 With him. 00:16:42.799 --> 00:16:43.959 I am well pleased. 00:16:43.959 --> 00:16:45.519 We ourselves heard. 00:16:45.859 --> 00:16:46.399 This voice. 00:16:46.519 --> 00:16:47.539 That came from heaven. 00:16:47.699 --> 00:16:48.899 When we were with him. 00:16:48.899 --> 00:16:50.720 On the sacred mountain. 00:16:51.559 --> 00:16:52.120 God's. 00:16:52.579 --> 00:16:53.319 Glorious. 00:16:53.679 --> 00:16:54.199 Son. 00:16:54.799 --> 00:16:55.779 Do we see Jesus. 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:57.059 As glorious. 00:16:57.740 --> 00:16:58.480 This morning. 00:16:59.579 --> 00:17:00.279 Second. 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:02.240 He's the central character. 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:03.419 In all. 00:17:03.679 --> 00:17:04.420 Of history. 00:17:05.180 --> 00:17:05.519 Moses. 00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:06.440 And Elijah. 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:07.359 Were there. 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:08.460 As representatives. 00:17:08.460 --> 00:17:09.940 Of the giver of the law. 00:17:10.119 --> 00:17:11.099 And representatives. 00:17:11.099 --> 00:17:12.079 Of the prophets. 00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:14.339 That had simply pointed the way. 00:17:14.680 --> 00:17:15.420 Towards. 00:17:15.420 --> 00:17:16.100 Jesus. 00:17:17.440 --> 00:17:18.480 And you'll notice. 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:19.580 That it wasn't long. 00:17:19.680 --> 00:17:20.160 Before. 00:17:20.560 --> 00:17:20.840 They. 00:17:21.380 --> 00:17:21.900 Vanished. 00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:23.080 And as we've already looked. 00:17:23.320 --> 00:17:23.860 One day. 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:24.740 Ultimately. 00:17:24.940 --> 00:17:25.600 When this earth. 00:17:25.700 --> 00:17:26.440 Is wrapped up. 00:17:26.600 --> 00:17:27.580 He will be the one. 00:17:27.840 --> 00:17:28.519 Before whom. 00:17:28.680 --> 00:17:29.660 Every knee. 00:17:29.779 --> 00:17:30.100 Bows. 00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:31.259 And I think there's just. 00:17:31.519 --> 00:17:32.320 An opportunity. 00:17:32.900 --> 00:17:33.460 To glimpse. 00:17:33.620 --> 00:17:33.960 Jesus. 00:17:34.100 --> 00:17:34.840 In his glory. 00:17:35.080 --> 00:17:36.360 Of transfiguration. 00:17:37.160 --> 00:17:38.400 As the central. 00:17:38.800 --> 00:17:39.240 Character. 00:17:39.880 --> 00:17:40.539 In all. 00:17:40.880 --> 00:17:41.620 Of history. 00:17:42.180 --> 00:17:42.740 Thirdly. 00:17:42.860 --> 00:17:43.279 And linked. 00:17:43.400 --> 00:17:43.860 To this. 00:17:43.859 --> 00:17:44.619 Jesus. 00:17:44.619 --> 00:17:44.659 Jesus. 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:45.439 Stands. 00:17:45.559 --> 00:17:46.099 Ultimately. 00:17:46.359 --> 00:17:46.879 Alone. 00:17:47.599 --> 00:17:48.799 And utterly. 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:49.759 Unique. 00:17:50.479 --> 00:17:51.039 Moses. 00:17:51.039 --> 00:17:51.939 And Elijah. 00:17:51.939 --> 00:17:52.759 Were there. 00:17:53.259 --> 00:17:53.759 Speaking. 00:17:54.000 --> 00:17:54.500 With him. 00:17:54.899 --> 00:17:56.079 But as that cloud. 00:17:56.219 --> 00:17:56.779 Descends. 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:57.879 They disappear. 00:17:58.899 --> 00:17:59.599 And Peter. 00:17:59.899 --> 00:18:00.459 Realizes. 00:18:00.599 --> 00:18:01.439 He cannot put up. 00:18:01.639 --> 00:18:02.399 Three shelters. 00:18:03.079 --> 00:18:03.479 Because. 00:18:03.639 --> 00:18:04.500 There is no way. 00:18:04.579 --> 00:18:05.319 In which he can see. 00:18:05.419 --> 00:18:05.859 Jesus. 00:18:06.139 --> 00:18:06.899 As in any way. 00:18:06.979 --> 00:18:07.559 On a par. 00:18:07.659 --> 00:18:08.139 Or standing. 00:18:08.459 --> 00:18:08.939 Alongside. 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:09.619 Moses. 00:18:09.619 --> 00:18:10.279 And Elijah. 00:18:10.659 --> 00:18:11.000 Jesus. 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:12.139 Is utterly. 00:18:12.659 --> 00:18:13.099 Unique. 00:18:13.099 --> 00:18:14.299 Verse 36. 00:18:14.299 --> 00:18:15.399 They found. 00:18:15.679 --> 00:18:16.339 That Jesus. 00:18:16.339 --> 00:18:17.019 Was. 00:18:17.579 --> 00:18:17.939 Alone. 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:20.699 I think. 00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:20.980 We. 00:18:21.259 --> 00:18:21.539 Can. 00:18:21.719 --> 00:18:22.019 Have. 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:22.679 A trust. 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:23.439 Really. 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:24.759 Respectful. 00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:25.819 Dialogue. 00:18:25.899 --> 00:18:26.879 With our friends. 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:27.579 Who. 00:18:28.039 --> 00:18:28.539 Pursue. 00:18:28.919 --> 00:18:29.299 Other. 00:18:29.459 --> 00:18:29.980 Religions. 00:18:30.079 --> 00:18:30.480 And we may. 00:18:30.579 --> 00:18:30.819 Find. 00:18:30.939 --> 00:18:31.480 That we have got. 00:18:31.699 --> 00:18:32.219 Lots. 00:18:32.299 --> 00:18:32.759 In common. 00:18:32.859 --> 00:18:33.279 I'm sure. 00:18:33.379 --> 00:18:33.819 That we. 00:18:34.099 --> 00:18:34.579 Will. 00:18:34.879 --> 00:18:35.319 Potentially. 00:18:35.399 --> 00:18:35.759 Around. 00:18:35.879 --> 00:18:36.159 Our. 00:18:36.539 --> 00:18:37.099 Values. 00:18:37.179 --> 00:18:37.500 Around. 00:18:37.919 --> 00:18:38.480 Lifestyle. 00:18:38.639 --> 00:18:39.199 Choices. 00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:41.420 But when it comes to a discussion. 00:18:41.420 --> 00:18:43.380 About different prophets. 00:18:44.160 --> 00:18:45.240 Let's be clear. 00:18:45.360 --> 00:18:46.140 As Christians. 00:18:46.140 --> 00:18:47.580 That respectfully. 00:18:47.980 --> 00:18:48.940 We must be clear. 00:18:49.299 --> 00:18:51.620 That Jesus does not simply stand. 00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:52.580 Alongside. 00:18:52.940 --> 00:18:54.900 A range of other great prophets. 00:18:55.460 --> 00:18:56.360 We see. 00:18:56.580 --> 00:18:57.140 In the transfiguration. 00:18:58.259 --> 00:18:58.940 That others. 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:00.039 Disappear. 00:19:00.600 --> 00:19:02.080 And Jesus stands. 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:02.840 Supreme. 00:19:03.180 --> 00:19:04.019 In his glory. 00:19:04.279 --> 00:19:05.519 As the only one. 00:19:05.840 --> 00:19:07.299 Who is God's son. 00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:12.879 And finally. 00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:15.500 And it's just there. 00:19:15.899 --> 00:19:16.740 If we look. 00:19:17.139 --> 00:19:18.099 At it carefully. 00:19:19.099 --> 00:19:19.740 We see him. 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:20.200 One. 00:19:20.319 --> 00:19:21.619 As God's glorious son. 00:19:22.200 --> 00:19:22.480 Two. 00:19:22.619 --> 00:19:23.859 As the central character. 00:19:23.859 --> 00:19:24.399 Of all. 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.059 Of history. 00:19:25.639 --> 00:19:25.919 Three. 00:19:26.200 --> 00:19:26.940 As the one. 00:19:27.139 --> 00:19:27.720 Who stands. 00:19:27.839 --> 00:19:28.240 Alone. 00:19:28.399 --> 00:19:29.379 And utterly unique. 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:30.319 But four. 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:31.740 As the one. 00:19:31.899 --> 00:19:32.659 Who stands. 00:19:33.220 --> 00:19:33.680 Ready. 00:19:33.680 --> 00:19:34.419 To be. 00:19:34.980 --> 00:19:35.539 Our savior. 00:19:37.299 --> 00:19:38.539 We see here. 00:19:39.619 --> 00:19:40.680 Verse 31. 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:42.000 Moses and Elijah. 00:19:42.419 --> 00:19:44.240 Spoke about his departure. 00:19:45.000 --> 00:19:47.359 Which he was about to bring to fulfillment. 00:19:47.980 --> 00:19:48.819 At Jerusalem. 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:50.359 His death. 00:19:50.599 --> 00:19:52.079 Wasn't going to be an accident. 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:55.099 He'd already spoken before this incident. 00:19:55.419 --> 00:19:58.159 About the fact that he knew he was heading to die. 00:19:58.899 --> 00:20:01.220 And here in his transfiguration. 00:20:01.720 --> 00:20:03.980 He's speaking to Moses and Elijah. 00:20:03.980 --> 00:20:06.000 About his departure. 00:20:06.500 --> 00:20:09.319 Which he was about to bring to fulfillment. 00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:11.099 Isn't it incredibly deliberate? 00:20:11.700 --> 00:20:13.120 Isn't it absolutely clear? 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:14.180 That this is not Jesus. 00:20:14.420 --> 00:20:16.339 Who is going to be caught by surprise. 00:20:16.900 --> 00:20:17.779 This is Jesus. 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:18.779 The supreme commander. 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:21.839 Over everything that's going on. 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:23.900 The one who is about to choose. 00:20:24.200 --> 00:20:25.539 To bring his departure. 00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:26.740 To fulfillment. 00:20:27.120 --> 00:20:28.779 In order that he can die. 00:20:29.099 --> 00:20:30.519 In order that he can be. 00:20:30.660 --> 00:20:32.620 The sacrifice for our sins. 00:20:32.619 --> 00:20:35.219 In order that he can pay the price for sin. 00:20:35.419 --> 00:20:37.359 In order that he can bring us forgiveness. 00:20:37.699 --> 00:20:39.399 In order that we can stand today. 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:41.119 Not looking at him only. 00:20:41.419 --> 00:20:43.919 As the glorious awesome God. 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:48.099 But also looking at him as Savior. 00:20:49.139 --> 00:20:50.619 Now we don't have the opportunity. 00:20:51.399 --> 00:20:53.259 To physically see Jesus. 00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:54.279 In the same way. 00:20:54.519 --> 00:20:56.159 That Peter, James and John. 00:20:56.519 --> 00:20:57.559 Saw him that day. 00:20:57.679 --> 00:20:58.519 But marvelously. 00:20:58.679 --> 00:20:59.799 We are invited. 00:21:00.239 --> 00:21:01.579 To look this morning. 00:21:01.579 --> 00:21:04.500 To turn our faces this morning on Jesus. 00:21:04.899 --> 00:21:06.179 Using our faith. 00:21:06.299 --> 00:21:07.099 Using our heart. 00:21:07.259 --> 00:21:07.960 Using our minds. 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:11.439 Using all that we have. 00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.519 And we're invited. 00:21:14.399 --> 00:21:16.059 To contemplate. 00:21:16.299 --> 00:21:17.179 His glory. 00:21:18.259 --> 00:21:19.519 I'm not just making this up. 00:21:20.079 --> 00:21:21.199 If you're questioning it. 00:21:21.519 --> 00:21:24.480 Turn with me to 2 Corinthians chapter 3. 00:21:24.919 --> 00:21:26.460 And verse 17. 00:21:26.460 --> 00:21:27.500 And let's see. 00:21:27.500 --> 00:21:29.920 What it has to say to us here. 00:21:30.279 --> 00:21:32.279 Marvelous words here. 00:21:32.840 --> 00:21:34.519 2 Corinthians 3. 00:21:34.700 --> 00:21:35.759 Verse 16. 00:21:35.960 --> 00:21:36.240 Says. 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:38.600 Whenever anyone turns to the Lord. 00:21:38.819 --> 00:21:40.360 The veil is taken away. 00:21:40.920 --> 00:21:42.400 Now the Lord is the spirit. 00:21:42.519 --> 00:21:44.000 And where the spirit of the Lord is. 00:21:44.100 --> 00:21:44.819 There is freedom. 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:46.700 And we all. 00:21:46.880 --> 00:21:48.579 Who with unveiled faces. 00:21:49.940 --> 00:21:52.140 Contemplate the Lord's glory. 00:21:52.140 --> 00:21:56.020 Are being transformed into his image. 00:21:56.640 --> 00:21:58.440 With ever increasing glory. 00:21:59.000 --> 00:22:00.500 Which comes from the Lord. 00:22:00.900 --> 00:22:01.920 Who is the spirit. 00:22:03.080 --> 00:22:05.740 And so the encouragement that I take from that is. 00:22:06.120 --> 00:22:06.680 Firstly. 00:22:07.440 --> 00:22:08.520 Let's take the time. 00:22:09.120 --> 00:22:10.600 To take a really good look. 00:22:10.820 --> 00:22:11.400 At Jesus. 00:22:12.120 --> 00:22:13.640 Let's contemplate. 00:22:13.920 --> 00:22:14.640 His glory. 00:22:15.180 --> 00:22:17.040 And the marvelous promise. 00:22:17.240 --> 00:22:18.100 In these verses. 00:22:18.460 --> 00:22:20.300 Is that as we contemplate. 00:22:20.299 --> 00:22:20.879 His glory. 00:22:20.879 --> 00:22:22.159 We are changed. 00:22:23.379 --> 00:22:25.059 We cannot look. 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:26.879 And truly contemplate. 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:28.119 His glory. 00:22:29.159 --> 00:22:30.139 And go away. 00:22:30.919 --> 00:22:31.359 Unchanged. 00:22:32.180 --> 00:22:33.639 Now as I was preparing this. 00:22:33.720 --> 00:22:34.379 In the course of the week. 00:22:34.440 --> 00:22:35.180 I had some music on. 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:35.700 In the background. 00:22:35.819 --> 00:22:37.000 It's always been my way of studying. 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:38.599 The more studying I have to do. 00:22:38.659 --> 00:22:40.099 The louder the music has to become. 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:42.759 And I suddenly was tuning into some words. 00:22:43.039 --> 00:22:43.980 That were being sung. 00:22:44.039 --> 00:22:44.559 And discovered. 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:45.839 That as I was preparing this. 00:22:46.039 --> 00:22:47.240 I was listening to a song. 00:22:47.419 --> 00:22:47.819 Called. 00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:49.159 Transfiguration. 00:22:49.160 --> 00:22:49.680 Transfiguration. 00:22:50.120 --> 00:22:51.320 And the words. 00:22:51.320 --> 00:22:52.000 Included. 00:22:52.700 --> 00:22:53.019 This. 00:22:53.340 --> 00:22:54.680 Holy is the Lord. 00:22:54.840 --> 00:22:55.400 Revealed. 00:22:55.820 --> 00:22:57.120 Before my eyes. 00:22:57.820 --> 00:22:59.900 As I behold your beauty. 00:23:00.300 --> 00:23:01.980 With unworthy eyes. 00:23:02.480 --> 00:23:05.759 The only song my soul can find to sing. 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:07.940 Is hallelujah my king. 00:23:08.019 --> 00:23:09.120 I don't have much more to say. 00:23:09.640 --> 00:23:11.440 I do want to say another few things. 00:23:11.820 --> 00:23:13.720 But can we pause for just three minutes. 00:23:14.120 --> 00:23:15.860 And just listen to that song. 00:23:15.859 --> 00:23:18.099 And I hope that we might have the opportunity. 00:23:18.099 --> 00:23:20.240 Of contemplating the glory. 00:23:20.519 --> 00:23:21.559 Of our Lord Jesus. 00:23:23.219 --> 00:23:24.879 We'll face many challenges. 00:23:24.879 --> 00:23:26.599 In our own lives. 00:23:26.919 --> 00:23:28.679 And we'll face many challenges. 00:23:28.679 --> 00:23:30.139 As a church. 00:23:31.339 --> 00:23:34.059 But I think it's absolutely the case. 00:23:34.199 --> 00:23:35.319 That if we are people. 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:36.899 Who will ensure. 00:23:37.119 --> 00:23:38.319 That we keep our eyes. 00:23:38.559 --> 00:23:40.240 Fixed firmly on Jesus. 00:23:40.859 --> 00:23:41.939 On his glory. 00:23:41.940 --> 00:23:45.000 On who he really is. 00:23:45.620 --> 00:23:47.279 As the one who is uniquely. 00:23:47.279 --> 00:23:48.539 Our saviour. 00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:50.120 Then we will find. 00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:51.360 We have the strength. 00:23:51.559 --> 00:23:52.120 And endurance. 00:23:52.120 --> 00:23:54.460 To deal with every single one. 00:23:54.600 --> 00:23:55.740 Of these challenges. 00:23:55.740 --> 00:23:56.960 That will come our way. 00:23:57.420 --> 00:23:58.820 Let's ensure that we never. 00:23:59.100 --> 00:24:00.580 Just simply think we're coming. 00:24:00.759 --> 00:24:02.259 And going through the motions. 00:24:02.460 --> 00:24:04.759 And just singing a song or two. 00:24:04.900 --> 00:24:05.980 Thank you to the band. 00:24:06.140 --> 00:24:08.120 Who work hard. 00:24:08.180 --> 00:24:09.299 And who practice in order. 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:11.399 That they might help lead us. 00:24:11.399 --> 00:24:12.419 Into worship. 00:24:12.419 --> 00:24:13.940 In order that we might. 00:24:14.139 --> 00:24:15.419 Simply have that. 00:24:15.899 --> 00:24:17.079 Fresh glimpse. 00:24:17.819 --> 00:24:19.599 Every time we are here. 00:24:20.099 --> 00:24:21.279 Of the glory. 00:24:21.919 --> 00:24:22.619 And beauty. 00:24:23.099 --> 00:24:23.980 Of Jesus. 00:24:24.579 --> 00:24:25.599 Can we take some time. 00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:26.299 This week. 00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:27.379 To stop. 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:30.559 And to have a really good look. 00:24:30.799 --> 00:24:32.659 At who he is. 00:24:33.379 --> 00:24:34.220 And finally. 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:36.720 As we look at him. 00:24:36.720 --> 00:24:38.819 God made it clear. 00:24:38.819 --> 00:24:40.120 In verse 35. 00:24:41.240 --> 00:24:42.940 That he is the one. 00:24:43.620 --> 00:24:44.660 Whom we must. 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:45.400 Listen. 00:24:45.880 --> 00:24:46.039 To. 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:48.559 What does it mean. 00:24:48.680 --> 00:24:49.220 I wonder. 00:24:49.579 --> 00:24:50.279 This morning. 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:51.819 For us to listen. 00:24:52.279 --> 00:24:52.759 Intently. 00:24:53.279 --> 00:24:54.319 To what Jesus. 00:24:54.900 --> 00:24:55.620 Has to say. 00:24:55.960 --> 00:24:56.460 To us. 00:24:57.160 --> 00:24:58.759 Even in this chapter. 00:24:58.940 --> 00:24:59.860 That we've been looking at. 00:24:59.940 --> 00:25:00.960 In Luke chapter 9. 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:03.079 He has had so much. 00:25:03.460 --> 00:25:04.319 To say to us. 00:25:04.319 --> 00:25:06.339 About what it actually means. 00:25:06.339 --> 00:25:07.379 To be his follower. 00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:09.240 And my challenge. 00:25:09.240 --> 00:25:10.139 As we think about. 00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:10.939 What it means. 00:25:11.179 --> 00:25:12.359 To listen to Jesus. 00:25:12.359 --> 00:25:13.559 Is that we look again. 00:25:13.839 --> 00:25:14.899 At this passage. 00:25:15.019 --> 00:25:16.099 And all that's coming. 00:25:16.359 --> 00:25:17.439 And we think about. 00:25:17.619 --> 00:25:18.240 What it is. 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:19.960 Jesus challenges us. 00:25:20.200 --> 00:25:20.679 To do. 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:21.759 To be. 00:25:22.319 --> 00:25:23.079 What he says. 00:25:23.079 --> 00:25:24.019 About our thoughts. 00:25:24.319 --> 00:25:25.319 About our attitudes. 00:25:25.779 --> 00:25:27.019 About our behaviour. 00:25:28.399 --> 00:25:29.339 Will we listen. 00:25:29.859 --> 00:25:31.240 And seek out his will. 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:32.879 For our life. 00:25:32.880 --> 00:25:33.920 As I say. 00:25:34.020 --> 00:25:35.100 Not just in terms. 00:25:35.100 --> 00:25:35.940 Of our actions. 00:25:36.700 --> 00:25:37.380 But also. 00:25:37.580 --> 00:25:38.000 In terms. 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:39.000 Of our attitudes. 00:25:39.520 --> 00:25:40.160 And in terms. 00:25:40.160 --> 00:25:41.300 Of every choice. 00:25:41.520 --> 00:25:42.260 That we make. 00:25:43.340 --> 00:25:43.880 Parents. 00:25:44.020 --> 00:25:44.540 As one. 00:25:44.660 --> 00:25:45.600 I am challenged. 00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:46.440 About the extent. 00:25:46.540 --> 00:25:46.920 To which. 00:25:47.280 --> 00:25:48.340 We will help. 00:25:48.340 --> 00:25:49.240 Our children. 00:25:50.320 --> 00:25:50.880 Really. 00:25:51.540 --> 00:25:51.920 Listen. 00:25:52.300 --> 00:25:52.900 To Jesus. 00:25:53.720 --> 00:25:54.800 What can we do. 00:25:54.940 --> 00:25:55.560 To help them. 00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:56.180 Ensure. 00:25:56.300 --> 00:25:57.300 That they really know. 00:25:57.560 --> 00:25:58.220 What Jesus. 00:25:58.980 --> 00:25:59.340 Has. 00:25:59.900 --> 00:26:00.280 For them. 00:26:00.360 --> 00:26:00.800 What he has. 00:26:00.900 --> 00:26:01.500 In store. 00:26:01.660 --> 00:26:02.020 For them. 00:26:02.019 --> 00:26:03.059 How he. 00:26:03.059 --> 00:26:04.039 Would want them. 00:26:04.480 --> 00:26:05.579 To live. 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:08.940 And Jesus himself. 00:26:08.940 --> 00:26:09.819 In John 10. 00:26:09.960 --> 00:26:10.319 Said. 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:11.559 Of his followers. 00:26:11.799 --> 00:26:12.480 My sheep. 00:26:13.019 --> 00:26:13.480 Listen. 00:26:13.839 --> 00:26:14.819 To my voice. 00:26:15.400 --> 00:26:16.220 I know them. 00:26:16.779 --> 00:26:17.599 And they follow. 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:18.160 Me. 00:26:19.440 --> 00:26:20.139 And I think. 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:21.180 There's a lifelong. 00:26:21.639 --> 00:26:22.079 Pursuit. 00:26:22.240 --> 00:26:22.700 About this. 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:23.119 I know that. 00:26:23.220 --> 00:26:23.680 As I could look. 00:26:23.759 --> 00:26:24.299 To some of you. 00:26:24.660 --> 00:26:25.359 Who are among. 00:26:25.359 --> 00:26:26.379 Our most mature. 00:26:26.740 --> 00:26:27.539 Christians here. 00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:28.839 You would agree. 00:26:28.839 --> 00:26:29.899 That stopping. 00:26:29.899 --> 00:26:30.899 Looking. 00:26:30.899 --> 00:26:31.819 And listening. 00:26:31.819 --> 00:26:32.599 To Jesus. 00:26:32.599 --> 00:26:33.899 Is not something. 00:26:33.899 --> 00:26:34.819 That's just for. 00:26:34.819 --> 00:26:36.500 Those at a certain age. 00:26:36.579 --> 00:26:37.220 But is actually. 00:26:37.220 --> 00:26:37.980 A daily. 00:26:38.579 --> 00:26:39.139 Challenge. 00:26:39.639 --> 00:26:40.199 A daily. 00:26:40.199 --> 00:26:40.879 Pursuit. 00:26:41.099 --> 00:26:41.819 For all of us. 00:26:42.159 --> 00:26:42.819 And I'm encouraged. 00:26:42.819 --> 00:26:43.319 In this. 00:26:43.659 --> 00:26:44.779 To finish off. 00:26:45.139 --> 00:26:45.419 By. 00:26:45.579 --> 00:26:46.799 Thinking a little bit. 00:26:46.879 --> 00:26:47.679 About the last. 00:26:47.939 --> 00:26:48.379 Words. 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:49.419 That Peter. 00:26:49.639 --> 00:26:50.459 Who witnessed. 00:26:50.639 --> 00:26:51.579 All of this. 00:26:51.959 --> 00:26:52.799 Had to say. 00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:53.419 To. 00:26:53.420 --> 00:26:55.140 Or is recorded. 00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:55.940 As having said. 00:26:55.980 --> 00:26:56.580 Having said. 00:26:56.700 --> 00:26:57.160 To us. 00:26:57.440 --> 00:26:58.259 His very. 00:26:58.680 --> 00:26:59.759 Final words. 00:27:00.300 --> 00:27:01.100 Second Peter. 00:27:01.460 --> 00:27:02.240 Chapter three. 00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:03.259 And verse 18. 00:27:03.420 --> 00:27:04.080 He said. 00:27:04.160 --> 00:27:05.220 Earlier in that letter. 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:06.220 That he knows. 00:27:06.340 --> 00:27:07.039 His death. 00:27:07.100 --> 00:27:08.019 Is coming near. 00:27:08.880 --> 00:27:09.759 And here's. 00:27:09.800 --> 00:27:10.720 What he has to say. 00:27:11.039 --> 00:27:11.800 And with this. 00:27:11.960 --> 00:27:12.880 He signs off. 00:27:13.640 --> 00:27:14.340 He says. 00:27:14.340 --> 00:27:14.800 Grow. 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:15.900 In the grace. 00:27:16.500 --> 00:27:17.440 And knowledge. 00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:19.120 Of our Lord. 00:27:19.220 --> 00:27:19.840 And Savior. 00:27:20.360 --> 00:27:21.200 Jesus Christ. 00:27:22.120 --> 00:27:22.500 To him. 00:27:22.580 --> 00:27:23.080 Be glory. 00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:24.179 Both now. 00:27:24.419 --> 00:27:24.960 And forever. 00:27:25.619 --> 00:27:25.960 Amen. 00:27:26.399 --> 00:27:26.859 Grow. 00:27:27.059 --> 00:27:27.759 In the grace. 00:27:27.960 --> 00:27:28.559 And knowledge. 00:27:28.819 --> 00:27:29.639 Of our Lord. 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:30.199 And Savior. 00:27:30.379 --> 00:27:31.119 Jesus Christ. 00:27:31.399 --> 00:27:31.759 To him. 00:27:31.839 --> 00:27:32.279 Be glory. 00:27:32.379 --> 00:27:32.899 Both now. 00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:33.500 And forever. 00:27:33.659 --> 00:27:33.859 Amen. 00:27:33.919 --> 00:27:34.339 I've enjoyed. 00:27:34.339 --> 00:27:35.319 Just reflecting. 00:27:35.319 --> 00:27:35.859 On the verse. 00:27:35.939 --> 00:27:36.759 Because there's something in it. 00:27:36.899 --> 00:27:37.619 That captures. 00:27:37.619 --> 00:27:37.980 Both. 00:27:38.339 --> 00:27:38.720 What's going on. 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:39.439 In our hearts. 00:27:39.519 --> 00:27:40.339 And what needs to go on. 00:27:40.419 --> 00:27:41.059 In our minds. 00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:41.939 And our heads. 00:27:42.000 --> 00:27:42.379 Isn't there? 00:27:43.460 --> 00:27:44.220 In the same way. 00:27:44.299 --> 00:27:44.599 As we. 00:27:44.720 --> 00:27:45.319 Need to both. 00:27:45.519 --> 00:27:46.240 Look at Jesus. 00:27:46.599 --> 00:27:47.159 And also. 00:27:47.339 --> 00:27:47.659 Listen. 00:27:48.019 --> 00:27:49.240 To what he has to say. 00:27:49.859 --> 00:27:50.419 Peter could say. 00:27:50.500 --> 00:27:51.179 It's not one. 00:27:51.259 --> 00:27:51.779 Or other. 00:27:51.779 --> 00:27:54.779 It's not just about our feelings about Jesus. 00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:59.019 Nor is it just about intellectual thoughts and knowledge about him. 00:27:59.339 --> 00:27:59.639 No, no. 00:27:59.740 --> 00:27:59.980 He. 00:28:00.160 --> 00:28:01.359 At the end of his journey. 00:28:01.480 --> 00:28:04.539 Perhaps reflecting back on his life of following Jesus. 00:28:04.539 --> 00:28:07.359 Including that experience of transfiguration. 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:09.940 Of seeing Jesus' transfiguration. 00:28:09.940 --> 00:28:11.279 At the very end. 00:28:11.460 --> 00:28:13.339 To those who are following Jesus. 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:14.759 Says this. 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:15.799 Stop. 00:28:16.700 --> 00:28:17.200 Look. 00:28:18.079 --> 00:28:18.759 And listen. 00:28:19.599 --> 00:28:20.000 Grow. 00:28:20.240 --> 00:28:21.579 In the grace and knowledge. 00:28:22.019 --> 00:28:23.539 Of our Lord and Saviour. 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:24.539 Jesus Christ. 00:28:24.599 --> 00:28:25.740 May that be our experience. 00:28:26.079 --> 00:28:26.339 Today. 00:28:26.579 --> 00:28:27.059 Let's pray. 00:28:27.059 --> 00:28:29.700 Lord Jesus. 00:28:29.859 --> 00:28:30.679 We worship you. 00:28:31.359 --> 00:28:33.179 As the one who. 00:28:35.419 --> 00:28:39.940 Reveals to us something of your greatness and glory today. 00:28:40.079 --> 00:28:42.720 As we've looked at this passage. 00:28:42.720 --> 00:28:50.279 And we just bow before you. 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:50.980 Lord Jesus. 00:28:51.460 --> 00:28:51.759 And. 00:28:52.259 --> 00:28:53.740 With our hearts. 00:28:54.440 --> 00:28:55.640 Bowed before you. 00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:57.180 And with that image. 00:28:57.900 --> 00:28:59.559 Perhaps something of that image. 00:28:59.559 --> 00:29:01.000 Of what you are like that day. 00:29:01.079 --> 00:29:02.440 And perhaps something of the image. 00:29:02.440 --> 00:29:03.059 Of what you. 00:29:03.460 --> 00:29:04.380 Will be like. 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:05.360 When we see you. 00:29:05.359 --> 00:29:06.219 In your glory. 00:29:08.119 --> 00:29:09.419 We bow before you. 00:29:09.459 --> 00:29:09.899 And we say. 00:29:09.899 --> 00:29:10.759 Thank you Jesus. 00:29:11.939 --> 00:29:12.899 Thank you Jesus. 00:29:12.899 --> 00:29:14.079 For being our Saviour. 00:29:14.399 --> 00:29:15.259 Thank you Jesus. 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:16.479 For being our Lord. 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:17.759 Jesus. 00:29:17.859 --> 00:29:18.799 Would you occupy. 00:29:19.299 --> 00:29:20.619 The highest place. 00:29:20.799 --> 00:29:21.519 In our hearts. 00:29:21.899 --> 00:29:22.939 And in our minds. 00:29:23.139 --> 00:29:23.899 And in our affections. 00:29:25.059 --> 00:29:26.119 Would you help us. 00:29:26.459 --> 00:29:26.979 Always. 00:29:27.679 --> 00:29:28.859 To look to you. 00:29:29.679 --> 00:29:31.339 To listen to you. 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:33.299 And to follow you. 00:29:34.079 --> 00:29:34.939 And in so doing. 00:29:34.940 --> 00:29:35.620 Would we know. 00:29:35.620 --> 00:29:36.640 What it is. 00:29:36.640 --> 00:29:38.019 To be changed. 00:29:38.700 --> 00:29:40.000 To be transformed. 00:29:40.880 --> 00:29:41.759 To be made. 00:29:42.039 --> 00:29:43.140 More like you. 00:29:43.460 --> 00:29:43.759 Jesus. 00:29:44.600 --> 00:29:45.600 We ask this. 00:29:45.779 --> 00:29:46.400 In your name. 00:29:46.600 --> 00:29:47.620 And for your glory. 00:29:48.460 --> 00:29:48.720 Amen.