Reading: Matthew 17:1-13, Acts 23:12-35, Psalm 38, Leviticus 1-4

Recall:
Psalm 40:14-15
I don’t hear a word they say,
don’t speak a word in response.
What I do, GOD, is wait for you,
wait for my Lord, my God—you will answer!

Leviticus 1:14-17
“If a bird is presented to GOD for the Whole-Burnt-Offering it can be either a dove or a pigeon. The priest will bring it to the Altar, wring off its head, and burn it on the Altar. But he will first drain the blood on the side of the Altar, remove the gizzard and its contents, and throw them on the east side of the Altar where the ashes are piled. Then rip it open by its wings but leave it in one piece and burn it on the Altar on the wood prepared for the fire: a Whole-Burnt-Offering, a Fire-Gift, a pleasing fragrance to GOD.

Matthew 17:1-3 (The Message)
Six days later, three of them saw that glory. Jesus took Peter and the brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him.

Reflect:
Reading the responsibilities of the priests in the preparation of the sacrifices, I am struck by the physical labor, by the dirtiness of the work of the priest. He is twisting heads off of birds and removing gizzards and scattering blood. It's an interesting contrast with the glory that Peter, James, and John experienced at the transfiguration. The work of ministry is always both it seems, the glory of the Divine presence and just plain ol' hard work.

Psalm 40 is powerful. "What I do, God, is wait for you..." What else is there to do?

Respond:
Good and gracious Lord, thank you for the privilege and responsibility of ministry. Thank you for the reminder this morning that it is often hard work. Give me the stamina to continue my labor for you. I will play my part by caring for my spirit and body, putting strengthening practices into my daily life.