“Movements Not Monuments”
Emojional Week Two
Pastor Kris Freeman
Revolution Church
March 11, 2018
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9 (NLT)
Six days later, Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up to a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.
This event, prior to the death of Jesus, is called the TRANSFIGURATION.
The word transfiguration means “a complete change or form of appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state.”
The inner circle of the disciples saw Jesus in his GLORIFIED or, spiritual, state.
Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here. If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials - one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down to the ground. Then Jesus came over and touched them, “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”
The complete awe of God is a MOMENT of worship. Do you ever find yourself in awe of God?
When are you in awe of him?
- The forces of nature
- The birth of a baby
- The miracle that can’t be explained
- The “coincidental” meeting that turns into a blessing
- The speaking of wisdom through you to others
- The vast view of space, time and astronomy
There is no doubt, Peter, James and John were in awe. But notice what they DID first.
Peter wanted to build a MONUMENT of remembrance. When we encounter God, too often our response is to MEMORIALIZE the moment, rather than create a MOVEMENT with it.
As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
What Jesus allowed the disciples to see was a CONFIRMATION of his glory, so that they were empowered.
The disciples were empowered to:
1. Believe the story of the death and resurrection
2. Believe his divinity as the Son of God
3. Believe in themselves to carry on his work after he was gone
The transfiguration looks like a memorial, but it’s really a movement.
The church has TOO MANY memorials already!
Be thankful for where you have been, but be empowered by where you are going.
The problem with monuments:
1. A monument is for DEAD things. A movement is for LIVING things.
He wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” - Mark 9:31
A monument does not have to be a negative thing, but to be effective, it must become a legacy and not an END.
2. A monument is STUCK in time. A movement is TRANSCENDENT.
Worship works in every generation. The number one thing the church fights about in Americanized religious culture is “worship wars” - yet when our worship is focus on style and manner and method, we tend to get “stuck” in our preferences.
A movement of worship is greater than your emotional memory. It’s FLUID. It CHANGES. It adapts and it modifies. Why? Because the movement connects the past to the future and uses the FOUNDATION of God as the bridge.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” - John 14:12
Everything Jesus did was a preparation for everything the disciples would do.
Your worship is not just a memorial to God. It’s a MISSION to prepare you for all God has for you!
Let your worship face be on the move. Go with God’s flow.
#emojional #revwhitehouse
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