I've had an Epiphany!

Isaiah 42:13 The  Lord  will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies. We often picture Jesus in our artwork and in our minds as meek and mild, gentle and tender, always turning the other cheek. He has dinner parties with tax collectors and prostitutes. Children clamor to sit on his lap. He is a shepherd gathering hurt lambs in his arms and scared sheep around his feet. But the world views Jesus much differently. The world sees him as a wimp who is not tough enough for the real world where little kids fight, gunshots are heard almost nightly in some neighborhoods, and we have the most armed conflicts of any period in history. Or they picture Jesus as an apathetic god who doesn’t care there is hostility between races, between political parties, and within families. What is Jesus doing in the midst of our economic wars, wars on drugs, and the coming World War III? This is a

Matthew 17:1-9 Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James; and he led them up onto a high mountain by themselves. 2There he was transfigured in front of them. His face was shining like the sun. His clothing became as white as the light. 3Just then, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. 4Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, I will make three shelters here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them. Just then, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him.” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell face down and were terrified. 7Jesus approached and as he touched them, he said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” 8When they opened their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus alone. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell an

2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 This is evidence of God’s righteous verdict that resulted in your being counted worthy of God’s kingdom, for which you also suffer.  6  Certainly, it is right for God to repay trouble to those who trouble you,  7  and to give relief to you, who are troubled along with us. When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his powerful angels,  8  he will exercise vengeance in flaming fire on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.  9  Such people will receive a just penalty: eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from his glorious strength,  10  on that day when he comes to be glorified among his saints, and to be marveled at among all those who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household. (Ephesians 2:19). Amen. Jason stared at the makeshift barricade against

1 Peter 2:9-12 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, the people who are God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 At one time you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. At one time you were not shown mercy, but now you have been shown mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and temporary residents in the world, to abstain from the desires of the sinful flesh, which war against your soul. 12 Live an honorable life among the Gentiles so that even though they slander you as evildoers, when they observe your noble deeds, they may glorify God on the day he visits us. You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household. (Ephesians 2:19). Amen. Keara O'Neill went shopping for a dress she could wear to an upcoming wedding. When she hesitated in buying an outfit, the salesperson in

Luke 15:1-10 All the tax collectors and sinners were coming to Jesus to hear him.  2  But the Pharisees and the experts in the law were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3  He told them this parable:  4  “Which one of you, if you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that was lost until he finds it?  5  And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders  6  and goes home. Then he calls together his friends and his neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’  7  I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent. 8  “Or what woman who has ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, would not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?  9  And when she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors an