manifestation
The Manifestation of Truth
By Linda Rex
March 2, 2026, Transfiguration Sunday—On this Sunday, we reach the end of the season of Epiphany, and enter into the season of preparation for Easter. As we consider the epiphany of the season of Epiphany, so to speak, we reflect upon that dramatic revelation of Jesus Christ which occurred at his transfiguration.
Our New Testament passage, 2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2, is the apostle Paul’s message to the believers in Corinth, which includes a strong encouragement to stay focused on Jesus Christ. Paul’s purpose was to help the believers remain faithful in their life in Christ, and not get swept away into spiritual blindness. Apart from the revelation of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit, these believers would be unable to properly read and understand the Old Testament scriptures. He did not want them to go back into slavery to the law, but to live in the freedom that was theirs in Jesus Christ, because the law was written on their hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Drawing upon the teachings of Moses, the apostle Paul noted that Moses himself, when he met with God, would come away with a glow on his face that frightened Aaron and the people of ancient Israel. So, for their sake, he would cover his face with a veil, preventing them from seeing this glow and how it would eventually dissipate. Moses did not create this glow, neither could he get rid of it. His reflection of the divine glory came about simply because he spent time with God, listening to him, and growing in his relationship with him. But it was something that came and went—it did not stay. And it was not something he was in control over, either. He simply participated, and covered his face for the sake of those around him (Exodus 34:29–35).
In contrast, we see the Son of God, Jesus Christ, on the mountain with Peter, James, and John, being transfigured—as though this was his natural state of being, only it was hidden. How astonishing it must have been for these three disciples to see their companion and teacher suddenly glowing with divine glory, and speaking to Elijah and Moses, who had been dead for centuries. What all did this mean? How were they to respond to this? Peter suggested building tents for them to stay in—but that obviously was not the answer. Jesus’ heavenly Father certain had a preference for what they were to do: they were to listen to Jesus, for he was the beloved Son of the Father, the Chosen One (Luke 9:28–36).
Just consider the manifestation of the truth which took place in Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that he was “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). As God in human flesh, we find the truth of who we are as God’s creatures in Jesus Christ. Humans were created to reflect the image of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And Jesus is the only true reflection of God’s nature and way of being. He was filled with and led by the Holy Spirit from conception, and he always lived in right relationship with his heavenly Father in the Spirit. If we want to know what it looks like to be truly human—we look at Jesus Christ.
What Jesus Christ did by living, dying, and rising again, is only significant because of who he is—God in human flesh. The transfiguration was a profound revelation of the truth of who Jesus is and was. What was hidden within his human frame suddenly shone out in radiant brightness. The limits of human time were suspended as he communicated with those who went before. And he heard the voice of his heavenly Father addressing him with great affection and affirmation. What Peter, James, and John witnessed in the transfiguration had to have wholly overthrown all of their previous concepts of who Jesus was. Sure, he was the Messiah, but somehow he was so much more than all that had previously been assumed!
When Jesus died and rose again, he ascended to heaven, to his Father’s right hand, and sent the Holy Spirit. Now we are so blessed to have the presence of God in and with us by the Holy Spirit. In many ways, we have the hidden glory that Jesus had, because we have received the Holy Spirit. The apostle John says that when we see Jesus when he returns in glory, that we will be “like him” (1 John 3:2). There is a hidden glory that is ours in Christ, given to us by the indwelling Holy Spirit that will be revealed one day in its fullness. As we respond to the Spirit’s lead and live in obedience to our heavenly Father, we begin to look more and more like Jesus even in this life. The truth of who we are in Christ, who God created us to be, is being manifest more and more as we participate more fully in our life in Christ, as we respond to the work of the Holy Spirit, and follow Christ wherever he leads.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, may you be fully manifest in each of us by your Spirit, for our Father’s glory, now and forever. Thank you for the freedom that is ours in Christ—freedom from evil, sin, and death, and freedom to love, serve, and obey you. May we live as true reflections of your glory and goodness, through Jesus our Lord and by your heavenly Spirit. Amen.
“Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech, and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away. But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2 NASB
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Grateful for the Gifts
By Linda Rex
January 16, 2022, 2nd Sunday in Epiphany—The sun is shining over my yard filled with snow. There is every reason to be filled with joy, but this morning my joy is tempered with grief at the passing of Bob Taylor. Bob was a mentor to me as well as a support in many ways in our ministry here in Nashville. I still remember how he and Jan made me feel welcome and at home when I was so nervous and anxious about starting my first pastorate. I was a newbie and they were gracious and patient as I learned the ropes of ministry.
I learned a lot from Bob over the years. We did not always agree on things, but he opened my eyes to see things from another viewpoint. Through his eyes I saw my need to grow up and my need to be gracious to those whose strong opinions did not agree with mine. He encouraged me to develop the spiritual gifts of ministry—preaching, leading, administrating. And he supported me in ways for which I am very grateful.
It is significant that this Sunday’s reading from the New Testament is 1 Corinthians 12:1–11. It is the Holy Spirit who gifts people for ministry of all kinds and in the unity of the Trinity, works out the purposes of God in this world. Even though each of us is different and excels in our gifting in unique ways, all our gifts have their source in the one, unique Spirit who is Lord of all.
Bob definitely had the gift of administration and finances. He could do things with numbers that would make my brain fog over. He helped a lot of people over the years by offering up his gifts in service to Christ. Many members recall his visits during the critical transitional years in GCI, and are grateful for the sacrificial service he offered during that time.
At times, when I am speaking with a follower of Christ, they will tell me that they have no spiritual gifts. I certainly do not believe that to be true. In most cases, I have found that it is not a matter of them not having gifts. It’s more a matter of them not having the courage and faith to try something new and discover the latent gifts they do have. Or not being willing to offer up to Christ and his Church the gifts he has given them, but choosing to hide or ignore them instead.
In refusing to believe God has gifted us in any way, we deny the work of the Spirit in our lives. Take for example a mother who chooses to stay at home and care for her children full time. Having done this at one time in my life, I understand the negative messages such a mother may receive from the culture regarding her decision. She may believe she has no spiritual gifts. In reality, she is doing a powerful ministry to her children and family—one that will last on into eternity. Isn’t the ability to love and care for others a gift we receive from the Spirit?
We all have been given unique gifts, talents, abilities, experiences, and educations. The spiritual gifts listed in Scripture are important as well. All of these gracious gifts from God, when gratefully offered up to him, have an impact on our marriages, our families, our communities, God’s creation, and his world. Why would we want to hide what God meant to be a blessing and a joy for him and others?
Developing the gifts, talents, and abilities we do have is important as well. Bob and the church graciously supported my completion of a masters in pastoral studies. This was such an encouragement to me, as it affirmed my worth as a woman as well as a pastor. When someone offers up their gifts to Christ, we can offer our support by coming alongside them to help them on their journey of obedience and service. Often it is the encouragement, financial or physical support, prayers, and help of others that enables someone to courageously step out in faith to offer up the gifts God has given them.
There is also the matter of finding our giftedness and growing in it within the context of community. There are times when we may decide we have a certain spiritual gift, when others around us see clearly that this is not our gift at all. It is important for us to listen to those around us in the body of Christ who love us and know us well. They often see what we do not see. They may call forth a gift in us by pointing it out and encouraging us to develop it. Or they may point out that there are others who are more gifted than we are in an area we believe we are gifted in. In humility, we can receive this information and be blessed by it, for God’s Spirit guides us in the recognition of and development of our gifts as we are open to his leading.
I was thinking about these things and reading the gospel story for this Sunday. It’s the story about Jesus going to a wedding in Cana with his disciples. His mother realized that the host was out of wine—a very embarrassing circumstance in that community. She took the problem to Jesus. His response was, “What does that have to do with us/me? It’s not my time yet.” But she responded by saying to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you to do.”
A couple of things popped out as I looked at this. First, why did Mary immediately go to Jesus with the problem? Was she expecting him to pull out his wallet and go shopping? Or did she realize the Spirit had uniquely gifted her Son, and that he could do exactly what was needed in that moment? At times, the Spirit places us in a circumstance in which we are the ones with the gifting which is needed to do what needs done in that time and place. We may not realize that we are the ones gifted by the Spirit to do what is needed, but others will and they will come to us and invite us to be a part of the solution. Has that ever happened to you? What was your response?
The second thing that popped out was what Mary said to the servants. The thing about spiritual gifts is that they are given by the Spirit for a purpose and to fill a need. What has the Spirit prompted you to do? What is the Spirit calling you out to provide in that moment of need? I would say to you what Mary said to those servants: Do whatever the Spirit tells you to do. Follow the lead of the Spirit as he directs you and affirms that direction by the unity of the body of Christ.
Jesus very well could have pulled out his wallet, told the servants to go into town and buy up all the wine they could find. He could have hidden his anointing a little longer if he had wanted to. But he didn’t. He knew that the minute he turned that water into wine, he was headed for the cross. But that did not stop him from doing the one thing only he could do—transform H2O molecules into wine molecules. He offered himself up freely for the sake of others, a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. May we offer our own spiritual gifts up in that same Spirit of self-sacrificial offering.
Thank you, Father, for freely offering us your Son and your Spirit. Thank you, Jesus, for freely offering us yourself. Thank you, Spirit, for coming and filling us, and gifting us so generously. We offer ourselves and all these gifts back to you with gratitude, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus is accursed’; and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:1–11 NASB
See also John 2:1–11 NASB.
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