The Sixth Sunday in Epiphany
Transformation to Transfiguration
by Cherie Weber
Wouldn’t it be nice if the transfiguration was our daily reality? If baptism was the moment that we receive our transfigured bodies? Our struggle with temptation, sin, pain, sickness, and death would be over in that moment! However, instead of transfiguration, baptism brings the beginning of transformation, the slow continual process of us changing our inner self to be more like Jesus.
A few days ago, one of my children took out the photo album that my co-workers/friends at Church of the Redeemer made for my farewell. I had been on staff there for over 6 years. As I glanced at the pictures of myself from that season of life, I barely recognized myself. My life looks very different than it did 5 years ago. Sure, on the outside my life still looks similar. I am still a working, homeschool mom, but my context and priorities have completely changed.
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ…” (Phil. 3:7-8)
Moving to Rwanda brought a lot of loss to our family: loss of home (we sold our first home); loss of family time (not literally losing them, just precious time together); loss of security (many of our belongings have been stolen); loss of identity (a neat job description with clear duties sure helps); loss of comfort (do you wonder every day if you have enough water?); and loss of ease (everything takes longer to accomplish here!). But what does the Bible say about all these things? Rubbish. Worth nothing. I wish I could say the same because in these losses, there has been great pain and sorrow. Surrendering my life does not come naturally. While we were in the USA for home assignment last year, many people told me that they don’t know how I do this. How do I live in such a hard place away from extended family? How do I send my oldest daughter to a boarding school in a different country? “You are so amazing.” No, I am not. I am being transformed. I am taking one step at a time closer to being like Christ, and denying myself. “I press on.” (3:12) As a baptized believer that is being transformed, how could I not do the things that He has called me to give up? Yes, my calling looks different than a lot of you, but that doesn’t make it any less. God is calling you to do the same: count everything as loss.
Are there things in your life that you are not willing to give up? Are there things too precious to you to let go of? If so, why are you holding onto them? Will you take them with you after this life? How is God calling you deeper into a relationship with Him? How are you choosing Him in your life?
Let me tell you something that I have learned, the loss is worth it. It is worth it because I get to know Jesus more. It is worth it when I sit in the presence of an older person who lived through a genocide who is praising the Lord for His goodness. It is worth it when a child receives their first Bible and starts classes at a Christian school. It is worth it when I look into the eyes of a pastor whose eyes are filled with hope because we are helping his school grow and flourish even though his church is closed. It is worth it when my housekeeper, who is a single mom, shares how she has learned how to disciple her son from our example. It is worth it when children who have no parents at home call me ‘Mom’
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Cherie Weber has lived with her husband, Ben, and six of their 7 children in Gahini, Rwanda for the past 3 years. They serve as SAMS missionaries alongside the Diocese of Gahini. They are the co-directors of Friends of Gahini, a non-profit that facilitates sister church partnerships between churches in Rwanda and the USA. Their main focus of ministry is helping the church schools disciple children better and providing Bibles to the Christians who cannot afford their own Bible.