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February 17, 2023

Come Up and Be Free

Juanita C. Rasmus   |   Read Psalm 2:1-12

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Lectionary Week
February 13–19, 2023
Scripture Overview

The Transfiguration is a striking manifestation of the union of humanity and divinity in Christ. In Exodus, Moses goes up the mountain to meet with God, and the divine presence on the mountain is like a consuming fire. The psalmist says that all who take refuge in the Lord are happy. In Second Peter the author declares that the truth of Christ’s message is affirmed by the glory that surrounds Jesus on the mountain and the voice from heaven that confirms his authority. In Matthew’s account, the revelation of the glory of the divine son of God on top of a mountain causes the disciples to fall down in fear. Moses and Elijah are present, demonstrating the continuity of Christ with the prophets and the always overwhelming splendor of God’s presence.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Exodus 24:12-18. When have you experienced God’s cleansing and transforming fire?Read Psalm 2. How have you taken refuge in God?Read 2 Peter 1:16-21. How can you be attentive to the light of God in the world around you?Read Matthew 17:1-9. When have you experienced God’s love shining through you?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Psalm 2:1-12

1 Why do the nations rant? Why do the peoples rave uselessly? 2 The earth’s rulers take their stand; the leaders scheme together against the LORD and against his anointed one. 3 “Come!” they say. “We will tear off their ropes and throw off their chains!” 4 The one who rules in heaven laughs; my Lord makes fun of them. 5 But then God speaks to them angrily; then he terrifies them with his fury: 6 “I hereby appoint my king on Zion, my holy mountain!” 7 I will announce the LORD’s decision: He said to me, “You are my son, today I have become your father. 8 Just ask me, and I will make the nations your possession; the far corners of the earth will be your property. 9 You will smash them with an iron rod; you will shatter them like a pottery jar.” 10 So kings, wise up! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! 11 Serve the LORD reverently trembling, 12 kiss his feet or else he will become angry, and your way will be destroyed because his anger ignites in an instant. But all who take refuge in the LORD are truly happy!

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

At first, Psalm 2 throws you headfirst into conflict, with nations competing for power, conspiring and plotting in vain, pushing and jockeying for position. It can all too easily be read as “their problem back then.” It is simply too easy to see this as an obsolete, historical issue even...

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Gracious God, I am open and willing to surrender to the way you offer to lead me. Amen.


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