Sermon Changed from Glory into Glory

Mark 9:2-9

February 26, 2006

Rev Dr. Dawn Berry

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. Mk. 9:9

Media attention of some athletes before and during the Olympics distinguished, for me, the difference between celebrity and glory. Only particular sporting events were raised to celebrity status, and those who became celebrities had past achievements that caught media attention. Celebrity interviews were promising huge earnings in promotional advertising if they won an Olympic gold. The celebrity seemed to represent themselves, more than their country. The celebrity could get away with arrogance and bad behavior, in particular, I am thinking of Bode Miller, because of their fame.

The final Olympic results were less about celebrity and more about glory. Confidence was eroded by injury, competence gave way to cockiness, and in the end, it was hard work, perseverance, timing, and a grace that determined who brought home the gold for which countries. Glory distinguished itself from fame and celebrity.

Glory, a movie about a civil war regiment of African Americans, many of whom were escaped slaves carried a similar theme. Commanded by a white Bostonian from a privileged, abolitionist family, the regiment quickly realized respect would be as hard won with the northern Yankees, as it was impossible in the South. The regiment was paid less than white soldiers, was not issued the proper equipment, and indeed was not even allowed into battle until their Commander engaged in the political battle of gaining their equality. A turning point in the relationship of respect between commander and men was when the regiment was told that black soldiers would be paid $3.00 less than the white soldiers. Ready to riot, the commander shot his pistol into the air commanding their attention. He announced that if they would not accept their pay, no one in the regiment would. White officers refused their pay in an act of solidarity with the regiment. Mutual respect and solidarity melded them into a fine unit who gave their lives in battle. Glory had to do with officer and soldiers, white and black sharing the human condition; not setting oneself apart, but being with, alongside.

This brings us to today’s Gospel reading, the Transfiguration of Jesus when his garments become glistening white and the presence of Elijah and Moses-representing the prophets and the law-signal a new age and a voice from “on high” spoke that Peter, James, and John could also hear. Disciples are to listen-more than listen with ears-but listen with their will and heart of obedience. But, Jesus tells them not to say a word about this glorious moment until after he has risen from the dead. Glory is a path through suffering and death to resurrection.

Often I find myself slipping into the mindset of Peter, I want to build shelters of faith to commemorate my adoration of Jesus. I want the glory of mountaintop ecstasies rather than walking the path of discipleship down the mountain and through the shadowed valley where there is no certainty in the midst of suffering, only assurance that I do not walk alone.

Isn’t it easier to commemorate the past, than to walk with faith into the future? Isn’t it easier to believe the stories about Jesus, than to live our story following Jesus? We all want a faith of glory that is triumphant, filled with miracles, and answers our questions. We want faith without sorrow and pain. We know what real life is-but we want celebrity life for just a moment when Dr. Phil fixes everything. Maybe for a time we have a mountain top existence for ourselves, but when we live in community, there are always concerns and joy, faith and doubt, hope and fear that bring us down the mountain to share another’s struggle. Jesus redefined glory on the mountaintop. Glory takes the path through suffering. We are being “transformed into Christ’s likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2Cor.3:18) Glory is not by our power-but the power of the Spirit shown through our trembling. Glory is the reflection of our human lives transformed in Christ to live fully to God and fully with others as we stand atop mountains and walk through shadowed valleys.

With Charles Wesley we sing:

Finish, then, thy new creation;

Pure and spotless let us be,

Let us see they great salvation

Perfectly restored in thee;

Changed from glory into glory,

Till in heaven we take our place,

Till we cast our crowns before thee,

Lost in wonder, love, and praise.