The season of Lent in the Christian tradition is a time of reflection, introspection, self examination, and repentance. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent covers the 40 days leading up to Easter. Through this 40 days, we are confronted with who we are in light of who God is. As Easter dawn breaks, we are aware, more than ever, of what the death and resurrection of Christ means for us.
The Sunday before Lent, observed in 2011 on March 6th, turns our focus upon Jesus' transfiguration upon the mountain. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all bring this story to light. In the story, Jesus takes Peter, James and John upon a mountain. In Matthew 17, we are told, "There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus." The purpose of this story seems to hinge on Jesus' glorification. It both reveales who Jesus is and foretells the events that will transpire in Jerusalem with the death and resurrection of Jesus. Upon descending the mountain, Jesus will begin the journey to Jerusalem, where he will fulfill the will of the Father.
In all three Gospel accounts, God himself, in a heavenly voice affirms the character and mission of his Son. It is interesting that John does not follow the lead of the other Gospel writers. The transfiguration story is not part of John's narrative. What John does emphasize, however is the glorification of Jesus. G.M. Burge points out that the greek word group for "glory", doxa / doxazein, is used 41 times throughout John. This is more than the other Gospels combined (37). So, maybe John does not need to reinforce a theme that has already been prevalent through the narrative.
What John has in common with the other Gospel writers though, is the voice from heaven affirming the mission of the Son. In John's account, his prayer is that the Name of the Father would be glorified (12:28). "Doxazo" means "action involving the recognition or the bestowal of that quality or property which is manifestly excellent and highly impressive (Zodhiates). What a prayer! As we embark on this Lenten journey, could we be so bold as to pray this prayer? Could the meditations of our hearts and the outworking of our faith bring "doxa" to Him? What would my world look like if my soul desire was to give "doxa" to the Name of the Father?
Rest assured, when we pray, God answers! In the story of Jesus, "doxa" has not only been given to Jesus throughout his ministry up to this point in the narrative, but it is promised for what is to come. "I have glorified it" brings to mind the evidence of God in the ministry of Jesus. Water is turned to wine (John 2), the eyes of both religous leaders and "outsiders" are opened (John 3-4), invalids are healed (John 5), multitudes are fed with small lunches (John 6), sinners receive forgiveness (John 8), and the dead are raised to life (John 11). Yes, one who has sold out to the Kingdom will find God "glorifying" his Name through them!
Jesus' death and resurrection would bring further "doxa" to the Father. In this single monumental event, God would forever settle the conflict between being all powerful and all loving. This one event forever blends the two, never to be separated. The crucifixion forever settles the love issue, while the resurrection forever settles the power issue. The debate is over. Through his ministry, death, and resurrection, God's Name is given "the recognition or the bestowal of that quality or property which is manifestly excellent and highly impressive."
Through Lent, we follow the footsteps of the Savior. As we begin the journey, we pray that his Name will be glorified in us. If we are sincere in our prayer, we can have confidence that He will continue to do what we have failed to see all along. Our lives have been and will be a testimony to his grace.
Well, I say, "Glory!"
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