Pastor’s sermon is based on the Gospel reading of Matthew 17:1-9. “Do not be afraid.” It’s easy to overlook the presence of these four words near the tail end of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. After all, there’s lots of other things going on: the dazzling white clothes; the appearance of Moses and Elijah; the thunderous voice from heaven; and the disciples fainting to the ground. Even though they are easily overlooked, these four words are among the most important words not just in this passage, but in the whole Bible. Think about it. These words: “Do not be afraid” are featured throughout the Old and the New Testaments. They signal the coming rescue of God and resulting courage that the promised rescue creates.
