BURTON JOYCE
COMMUNITY CHURCH
Sunday 14th February 2021
With Nottingham North East Circuit of the Methodist Church
This act of worship has been adapted from one prepared by Rev Yanyan Case. Spend a few moments with God, knowing that others share with you.
Hymn: SoF 425:
How Great Thou Art
Call to worship Psalm 50:1-6
The mighty one, God the LORD, speaks.
Father God, faithful and kind, the eyes of all creation look to you. You are near to all who call. Your steadfast love draws us and your mercy & grace bring us to repentance.
Forgive us for not loving you wholeheartedly and so failing to be salt & light and for caring about our own pleasure while ignoring those in need.
Lord Jesus Christ, we come to the cross & to your sacrifice for our sins. By your blood, we are cleansed and by your stripes we are healed. We are forgiven.
Holy Spirit, create a hunger in us so we are eager for your words. Convict our heart as we come to worship. Strengthen us for the rest of our journey.
Glory be with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.
Bible reading: Mark 9:1-9
The Transfiguration
Reflection
This Sunday is the Transfiguration Sunday. It is a pivotal moment when, for the first time, human eyes glimpse the true glory of God in Jesus. Jesus appeared in a completely different form. But he is fully human and fully divine. Jesus did not change. This is more an “unveiling”, or “revealing”, of the nature of Jesus.
The disciples’ perception is transfigured. Jesus had been hanging out with them, helping the poor like a kind-hearted and compassionate rabbi. Now, they are terrified to see another side of Jesus. How often do we see Jesus as our compassionate friend & take his deity for granted? How often do we stand in awe before him? Perhaps our perception of Jesus needs to be transfigured too.
The transfiguration is the turning point of Jesus’ earthly journey. Up until now, Jesus has been teaching and healing but, from now on, he will begin his journey towards Jerusalem to be crucified. It shows that Jesus’ prediction of suffering and death is not the whole picture. Suffering is not the purpose. There is glory ahead. The cross is not the purpose, resurrection is!
May our perspective on this pandemic be transfigured by the dazzling light of Jesus. On the mountain, God affirms: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Seek the voice of Jesus amidst the cacophony that surrounds us. His words are a lamp of our feet. By his words, the world came into being.
He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Listen to him.
How many broken hearts and lives could be avoided if we would just listen to him?! My dear friend, listen quietly:
When we say: “I am anxious and tired”,
Jesus says: “Come to me” (Matt 11:28)
When we say: “I am not good enough”
Jesus says: “You are wonderfully made” (Psa 139)
When we say: “I cannot go on anymore”
Jesus says: “I am your strength” (Psa 28:7)
When we say: “I feel alone”,
Jesus says: “I am with you always” (Matt 28:20)
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she has no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” (Isa 49:15)
Hymn: SoF 357:
Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us
Intercession (If you can, find a penny to hold in your hand)
Father God, we hold this little penny in our hands; you hold the whole world in your hands. As we see the details, you see the conflicts, violence & suffering around the globe. Stretch out your hands to remove evil, defender of the weak. Let justice run down like a river. Cover the earth with Your peace.
In your mercy, hear our prayer.
King of all kings, we pray for our country. As the queen’s image is engraved on the penny, let Your image be engraved in the heart of Britain. Set your throne in our schools, universities, and in politics & economy, now, during the pandemic.
In your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord of the Church, we pray for the Body of Christ. Although each of us is as small as a penny, when you gather us together, we can be worth millions. Unite us so that your Church can do its life transforming work in the society.
In your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, we pray for ourselves & for friends and families who are in need of your healing touch. No matter the penny in our hand is clean or dirty, new or aged, it is still a penny and worth the same. We know you love us all equally regardless.
In your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let’s finish with the Lord’s prayer
Hymn: SoF: 412
O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise
Closing prayer
Father God, transfigure our hearts by your love; Lord Jesus, transform our minds by your word; Holy Spirit, translate your passion into our action. Amen.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, and give you peace. Amen. (Num 6:24-26)
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