Seeing God

Seeing God is our worship theme for Transfiguration Sunday, February 19, 2012. Our focus scriptures are Daniel 7:9-14 and Mark 9:2-9.

In a night vision, the prophet Daniel sees the court of the Ancient One come to order and enact judgment against an arrogant and monstrous beast, which may represent the Roman Empire. Then a human being – a son of man – comes with the clouds of heaven and is given dominion over the whole world to rule in an eternal kingdom.

In a day vision recorded by Mark, Jesus’ disciples Peter, James, and John see Jesus transfigured and talking with Elijah and Moses. As they consider trying to enshrine the moment by setting up shelters, they are suddenly surrounded by the cloud of God’s presence. Terrified, they hear God’s voice tell them that Jesus is God’s Son, the Beloved, and that they should listen to him (instead of trying to turn him back from his arrest, torture, and death as Peter has just tried to do).

In our service we will reflect on the meaning of these Biblical visions and ask, “What is our vision of God’s presence and action in our world today?”

Here are two possible Calls to Worship, one based on the account of the Transfiguration, and one based on Daniel’s vision. As always, please feel free to use or adapt anything in this post that is helpful to you.

**Call to Worship  

          L: Sisters and brothers, we’re almost there!

               A few more steps up this mountain and...

P: Now we see him! It’s Jesus praying.

               But look! He’s changing!

               His face... his robe... they’re dazzling white!

               They’re shining like the sun!

          L: And see! There’s Elijah... and Moses!

               They’re talking to Jesus... talking about his exodus...

                beginning at Jerusalem???

          P: This is amazing! We could stay here forever!

               Maybe we could make a shrine for the three of them.

          L: I don’t think so. The weather’s changing!

               Look at that cloud coming fast! It’s swallowing us!

               Now everything’s dark and scary!

          P: Is that thunder? Shhh... Let’s be quiet and see what we hear!

          L: Wow! Everything’s changed again.

               Now look: there’s only Jesus...

          P: There’s only Jesus...

               and we’re supposed to listen to him...

       All:  Let us worship God in Christ!

Call to Worship   (from Daniel 7:9-14)

L: As we celebrate the disciple’s vision of Jesus, let us recall Daniel’s vision:

     As I watched in the night, thrones were set in place.

P: An Ancient One took his throne to rule.

     His robes were white as snow. His hair was white like wool.

     He sat on a flaming throne, its wheels blazing fire.

     A river of fire poured from his presence.

L:  A million angels served him. Many millions stood at attention.

     Then he called his court to order and the books were opened.

P: I kept watching. The voice of an arrogant nation was speaking loudly.

     But then that monster was put to death and cremated in the fire.

     Three other beasts symbolizing other nations were also judged.

     Their power was impounded; their lives spared for a season and a time.

L:  Then as I watched in night visions, I saw a human being,

one like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven.

P: He was presented to the Ancient One, who gave him dominion, glory, and kingship. People of all nations, races, and languages will obey him.

 All: His rule will be forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed.

        Praise God! Let us worship God.