i preached on sunday night from mark 9:2-13. it was on the transfiguration and the question of elijah that the disciples asked on the way down the mountain after the transfiguration of christ when he appeared with moses and elijah.

the whole message was based on that question from the glimpse of glory that christ gave to his disciples. this is pre-easter, so the time of suffering was yet to come, but jesus was still trying to get his disciples to understand this.

these days we know the easter story, but i emphasised to the congregation that we get so comfortable in our western lifestyle and forget about the sufferings of christ, rather we just bask in his glory. and when the fit hits the shan, ie 'suffering' (whatever that means in a western context), down goes faith with it.

my question was 'what is your elijah'? what gets in the way between you and fully recognising christ in both his suffering and glory? don't get too comfortable now, because you endanger yourself to loose the plot before the celebration can really begin.

i've had some good feedback about this, and not just because the sermon was biblical (of course) but it largely revolved around the passage, and not just an idea from the passage. young people like hearing the bible opened and the context it was for then being put into a context for today. young people (in general) don't really go beyond the surface of the story, and when it finally is cracked open, they see.

i had a lovely text message from one girl that simply said "thanks man for helping me understand the transfiguration. really appreciated it." isn't that just what young people need? not just telling the story, but explaining it in a way they probably couldnt do by themselves?

in all my two sermon experience, im beginning to see that people just want the bible to be opened and explained. they don't just want to hear the theology of the passage neither do they just want a whole lot of proof texts which stem from a passage that come together to give a biblical explanation of an issue. this happens at other times, such as in an 'effective' small group (i can define that should u require), or bantering around conversation with other like-directed friends.

my first post in some time - i feel a bit rusty. but it's been good to finally put some thoughts (remember, only thoughts!) onto screen and leave them to be mulled over by me some other time.