That question occurred to me once again today as I was reading a book by a much younger Jason Clark entitled, "God is Not in Control." I have actually met Jason, though only virtually and by way of an older friend, all connected by way of Zoom!
I love this digital age!
Almost everyone is now younger than me and secondly, fewer and fewer do I find who have experienced the dynamics of Pentecost like myself. Even those currently of that religious persuasion only boast of seeing the physical miraculous by way of medicine, (with science otherwise downplayed) or by way the occasional mission trip in Third World countries.
I find the latter interesting as it seems this God, who is not in control (read the book before judging) is always available out of love to those in need who ask!
I still believe in the miraculous power of God, and so did Elijah and Moses! Thus my sense of why they were brought back from "regions beyond" to validate Jesus before the three key disciples whom he had also invited to the Mount of Transfiguration (reference to yesterday's post).
However, both of these legendary saints were slaves to their religion, though that day, on that Mount were given opportunity to eyewitness God's true intent toward sinners, the Christ! I say that because I too have been where both of them were, whether under the Law and in great outpourings of the Spirit.
They were both raised under the Law, as introduced even by one of them, Moses. He as we often do, then mismanaged God's intent.
Moses was a hero when he used his rod to part the Red Sea, but robbed of his legacy when he smote the rock out of frustration (at least as recorded in the Old Testament). He would only see the Land of Milk & Honey at a distance. That's at least how I was taught, the message being, not to screw up!
I'm sure I'll see that differently one day, when I fully get to meet this One who became flesh, who is called, Love.
My point this morning is more about the "why" behind the "who" chosen to be present at the Mt. of Transfiguration. I believe this was intended as a hinge moment of revelation for Peter and the Sons of Thunder.
Moses represented everything they had all been exposed by way of Judaism, which by then had become just another "eye for an eye" approach to justice.
Meanwhile, this Jesus, who at one point in the moment, would take on an unexplainable physical brightness, one that likely puzzled the three disciples, yet somehow was so validated by their confidence in the presence of Moses and Elijah.
Peter (with whom I can so identify) wanted to just set up three tents and hang there forever!
He likely missed the point, which I believe was meant to add clarity to what they would soon witness at the "ascension." They daw simply a cloud lifting Him. Jesus, the Christ was the God of creation, able, if need be to release the very light energy that held his molecules in place! I say this with all respect, realizing that my science degree gives me some edge to better understanding!
My point in this writing is to express my personal sense of loss to Chritianity given its near return to the Law, as well as over the last couple decades, the demise of demonstration the miraculous power of God, even now so absent from my life, at least by way of the miraculous.
I have become too normal, settling for peace and prosperity, while our world lacks any true demonstration of God, even grace at times from those of us religious folk.
Unlike Elijah, I have never called down fire from heaven, but short of a cold body raised from the dead, I have seen things most American Christians have not.
To be clear about my belief in the power of the Spirit, I have at least prayed over cold bodies!
This morning as I was reading Clark, always comparing his thoughts with my 50 years in the Book, I began to see three religious types present on the mountain, four counting Jesus.
The Law, by way of Moses; the anything is possible with God in Elijah; and then the we're not sure about this whole thing in the disciples. The latter, likely awaiting for this amazing Jesus to mature sufficiently to pull off some new approach to overthrowing the Romans!
Of course, then there was Jesus, other- world like in his love, demonstrative of his power even over creation, and on top of that, able to pull up from the "dead" just the right two religious patriarchs to convince the disciples of his credentials with God!
Maybe this was also a true moment of "aHa!" as to the true intent behind the Word, spoken much earlier to these two legendary saints, Moses and Elijah. The Gospel is truly progressive in nature!
Don't read politics into that, but it seems millennia of Revelation to unfold, sufficient for we humans to grasp this Being, whom we speak of with every breath, YAHWEH!
Still not sure the full reason for the mountain moment, beyond a second affirmation of "this is my Son, listen to him", which obviously at least Peter needed to hear, though still he would deny him under threat.
Perhaps a moment for Moses to fully grasp the things he eluded to under inspiration, but somehow added to in a more punitive way than intended. God now per Paul, is working even the law to our good.
For Elijah, perhaps to see what the real intent behind miracles was all about, more about oil that never diminishes, than fire raining down upon your enemies!
For me, this morning was both a renewed longing to understand the metaphysical release of light from his very garments, as well as to grasp the love of a man who would later stand before a naked woman, caught in adultery, deserving of stoning per Moses, while the self-righteous religious men deserved a good toasting of fire, yet Jesus simply wrote in the sand sufficient that they all just turned and went home.
He likely then bought this poor woman some new clothes, and she perhaps one of those who later anointed his body for burial!
God, do I ever long to learn of this One, more loving than controlling, more compassionate than condemning, something that I sense in the growing hunger and awareness among the younger with whom I spend time often!
Thoughts from an old guy with a new heart!
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