Declaration of Good News: The Apostle Paul urges us, in view of God’s mercy, to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Dedication to God: Today we dedicate ourselves with the words of Peter who invites us to pay attention. Hear this word:
– Read 2 Peter 1:16-21
Meditation
We heard Peter’s words on the mountain: “Lord, it is good for us to be here,” after seeing the glory of Jesus and the appearance of Elijah and Moses. Perhaps Peter yearned to prolong the experience, but the moment passed, and they were alone again with Jesus.
Our ancestors of faith here in Salem yearned for the glory of God. We heard it from the first sermon preached here on 2 Chronicles 5 about God’s glory that filled the temple. They left us a history testifying to their “chief desire” – and this is a quote: “that the glory of God will fill and be manifested in this Sanctuary, as in the tabernacle and temple built long ago at [God’s] express command … for worship.”
They recorded their efforts at being good stewards of this place. Concerned, however, that some might think the church was focusing on themselves, they wrote: “Although there was a constant need to attend to the temporal needs of the House of Worship, always the Spiritual were foremost.” To prove that point, leaving us a legacy of spiritual worship and service.
Pastor Gary may speak later to some of the “Foundations for the Future” left to us, but for now, here is a brief look at one legacy that was intended to express their stated chief desire, that the glory of God surround us and fill us as we worship. So, on this Transfiguration Sunday, look at these windows…
Introduced in 1908, a few years after the Tiffany was donated, 15 American Antique windows cost the church $20,000, but their real value was to be in how they point worshippers to God’s glory manifest in Word and worship.
The 3-sided shield is for the Triune God who is, as we sing in O Worship the King, “our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.”
The diamond-like shapes may represent the prophets; the flowers are the Rose of Sharon and lilies, representing the Church risen with Christ. We see various images for the Trinity, and the rods or staffs call to mind Psalm 23: thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. The staff also symbolizes the power of God.
The point is, it is good for us to be here, because, as we come into this sacred space to hear the scriptures and offer our spiritual sacrifice, we are transformed and renewed by Christ’s glory as we give glory to God.
These windows are not decorations, but worship aides pointing us to the prophetic truths and promises of God in Christ, our Comfort, our Shield and Defender, our Hope of resurrection and life eternal.