Gen 15:5-12,17-18; Psalm 26(27);Phil 3:17-4:1; Luke 9: 28-36
While Abram was wandering round Canaan before 1500 BC, his kinsman, Lot was captured in Sodom. Abram and his allies freed him. To celebrate this victory, bread and wine were brought out and Abram was blessed by Melchizedek, Priest-King of Salem, traditionally identified with Jerusalem. Then the Lord promised Abram a land of his own, an heir, and numberless descendants. A firebrand signifying the Lord’s presence, pass between the halves of the animals, a common way at that time of confirming a covenant.
The psalm asserts complete confidence that God will not abandon but will rescue us, while asking for guidance and protection.
Paul wrote to the Philippians about 60 AD. A devout Jew and Pharisee, Paul has nevertheless concluded that righteousness does not come from the Law but through faith in God, as shown by Abraham. As citizens of heaven we owe allegiance to Christ, not Caesar. Since God will transfigure our bodies, we must not be ruled by bodily appetites but gradually transform ourselves into images of Christ.
Luke describes Jesus’ appearance being changed. Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, are talking with him about his “exodus”, his coming passion and death. The disciples are confused, but then God tells them they must now listen to Jesus, the representatives of old Israel have departed.
Psalm Response: The Lord is my light and my help.