Transfiguration Sunday Message: When Staying The Same Is Not An Option
Embracing Change with Christ: A Reflection on Transfiguration Sunday
On Transfiguration Sunday, we remember a powerful moment from the Gospel of Luke. In Luke 9:28-36, Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up a mountain to pray. While they are with him, his face shines brightly, and his clothes gleam like lightning. Moses and Elijah appear beside him. The disciples witness a scene that changes everything. In that moment, a cloud covers them, and a voice from above proclaims, “This is my son whom I have chosen. Listen to him.” This event reveals Jesus’ true identity and sets the stage for his path in the days to come.
This sermon invites us to think about how change appears in our lives. It reminds us that while change can be hard and even scary, it is a part of our walk with Christ. The message calls us to be active and aware, noticing the shifts that occur in our daily lives and in our faith. Just as Jesus’ appearance transformed on the mountaintop, our hearts and minds can also be changed by the light of his love.
The Transfiguration Story
The account of the Transfiguration is both dramatic and inspiring. Jesus climbs a mountain with three of his closest disciples. As he prays, his look becomes different. His face shines with a brightness that leaves no doubt about his divine nature. Then, two important figures from the past, Moses and Elijah, join him. Their presence connects the old and the new. Moses represents the law, while Elijah stands for the prophets. Together, they affirm that Jesus is the fulfillment of all that was promised.
In that quiet yet mighty moment, a cloud suddenly wraps around the group. The disciples feel a mix of wonder and fear. Out of the cloud, a strong voice speaks. The words are clear and direct: “This is my son… Listen to him.” With that, the visitors vanish, and only Jesus remains. The disciples are left with an image that they will carry with them forever. They do not speak about it right away. It is a private revelation that prepares them for what lies ahead.
This event is more than a miracle. It is a sign of hope. It shows that God is at work in our lives even when we do not understand every detail. The story encourages us to look beyond what is immediately visible. It reminds us that behind every challenge, there is a higher plan. The disciples’ experience on the mountain teaches us that moments of change, though sometimes unsettling, can lead to deeper understanding and growth.
The Message on Change
The sermon weaves the story of the Transfiguration into everyday life. It tells us that change is a constant part of our existence. Every day, we encounter new situations that test our faith and resilience. We might feel tired or unsure when life demands more than we expect. The sermon points out that change is not a sign of failure but a call to move forward with Christ by our side.
Change can be uncomfortable. It pushes us out of our safe spots. Sometimes, we resist it because we fear what we might lose. However, the sermon challenges us to see change as an opportunity. It is a chance to grow, to learn, and to experience Christ more fully. The message reminds us that the shift we experience in our lives is much like the change seen on the mountain. Jesus’ transformed appearance was not just a physical change; it was a sign that new things were coming.
Pastor Cory Gieselman explains that change is part of the work we do for Christ. Whether we are feeling tired from our daily tasks or pushed by unexpected events, we must not hide from the changes that come our way. Instead, we should embrace them. In doing so, we let Christ work in us and through us. The sermon makes it clear that being a follower of Jesus means accepting that our lives will not remain the same. This acceptance is a step of faith that leads us to a richer, fuller relationship with him.
Everyday Moments and Personal Reflections
The sermon also shares personal stories that many of us can relate to. Cory talks about a busy weekend filled with show choir events, long drives, and early mornings. There is a moment when he reflects on the simplicity of buying food at a concession stand. The flat pricing—a simple rate for each item—reminded him how small changes can make life easier. He explains that carrying coins is a hassle. Flat pricing, on the other hand, brings order to a busy day. This small experience is used as a metaphor for how simple adjustments in our routines can help us handle larger changes.
We all have days that feel too long or overwhelming. There are moments when the weight of our responsibilities makes us feel exhausted. Cory shares his fatigue and the need for rest. Yet, he finds comfort in these small, everyday moments. When he sits with his dogs after a long day, he feels the warmth of home. This scene shows us that even when change forces us to step away from our busy routines, there is beauty and peace to be found in the ordinary.
The personal reflections in the sermon connect with the idea that change is not always dramatic. Sometimes, it is gentle and practical. It is in the way we manage our time, in the way we choose simplicity over complication. The example of the concession stand pricing reminds us that life can be made easier with small, thoughtful changes. These moments encourage us to be mindful of our own lives. They invite us to notice when a small adjustment might lead to a better, more balanced day.
Active Faith in a Changing World
Being a follower of Christ means accepting change with an open heart. The sermon emphasizes that change is not a sign of things falling apart. Rather, it is a sign of life moving in the direction that God has planned for us. Just as the disciples had to be alert on that mountain, we too must be ready to see Christ in every moment. We are invited to be active in our faith and to engage fully with the shifts we encounter.
The call is clear: do not let fear or weariness stop you from experiencing the fullness of life in Christ. Even when the day feels long and tiring, there is purpose in every change. Our lives are meant to reflect the love and light of Jesus. Cory teaches that by staying connected with him, we can handle any shift that comes our way. We are reminded that our strength comes not from our own efforts, but from the presence of Christ in our lives.
Transfiguration Sunday reminds us that change is a natural part of life. The bright moment on the mountaintop was more than a miracle. It was a call to see things differently. It showed the disciples that even when change comes, it carries a promise of hope and renewal.
As we go about our daily lives, let us keep our eyes open for signs of change. Let us welcome those moments that push us to grow and learn. Whether it is in the small details of our day or in the big events that shape our faith, change has a role in our lives. By choosing to see Christ in every moment, we can live with purpose and joy.
This message calls us to be brave and to accept each change with faith. It encourages us to move forward, knowing that our lives are part of a larger plan. With Christ by our side, every shift in our path is a step toward a brighter future. Let us be ready to listen, to learn, and to live out our faith in every moment.