The overwhelming and terrifying experience of Jesus’ transfiguration causes Peter to babble until God’s voice declares clearly, “This is my beloved son. Listen to him!” The experience defies full understanding, but the closest disciples completely fail to “get the point”. Opening Hymn: O Worship the King Closing Doxology: Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

In order to comfort an exiled people, the prophet Isaiah speaks of God’s immeasurable greatness and majestic holiness. There is no one and no thing like God. Nothing and no one can compare. The prophet wants the exiled community to know that God has not forgotten them because God can’t and won’t forget them. God is greater than we can imagine and…

The religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus using “human bait” but Jesus refuses to play their game. The relevance of the whole event is best captured in Carl Sandburg’s quote, “The single clenched fist lifted and ready, Or the open asking hand held out and waiting. Choose: For we meet by one or the other.” Opening Hymn: Fairest Lord Jesus Closing Doxology:…