Transfiguration

His name was Bill. He used to wash the cars of congregants while we were in church. Bill was always either high or about to be high, and his drug of choice was alcohol. On rare occasion, Bill did come in and attend worship, but he wouldn't make it through the whole service. Although I declined to leave my car unlocked so he could clean the inside while I was in church, I must admit that no cars were broken into while Bill was working. When I think of Bill now, I'm reminded of an episode of the TV show, Good Times, where JJ had painted a picture of the neighborhood wino, and JJ's younger brother, Micheal, thought it was a picture of Jesus.

It's easy to point to those prominent people who have gone before us and left us a legacy to honor. During this month-long celebration of Black History, names like Fredrick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, W.E.B. Dubois, and Martin Luther King loom large. They have been "Elijahs" for us, encouraging us to pick up their mantle and carry on the work they began. But every life leaves a legacy. The value of that legacy is largely determined by the impact on our lives. How will we be different or better? What has changed in us as a result of those who's paths we've crossed?

11 As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. 12 Elisha kept watching and crying out, "Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. (2 Kings 2:11-13)

The word transfigure is defined as something being transformed into something more beautiful or elevated. When Elijah was taken in the whirlwind, Elisha was left to continue working, but with new power. When Jesus was transfigured in front of Peter, James, and John, this eye opening experience forced growth in these disciples that none of the miracles they had already seen could accomplish. Elisha and the three disciples saw the undeniable truth of God's presence. As a result of this truth, they too were transfigured. Our eyes must be opened to see the undeniable truth of God's presence in everyone - rather they lead lives of distinction or difficulty. In this way we, and the world, can be transfigured.

4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" (Mark 9:4-7)