November 24, 2015

Instruction
Scripture: Luke 21:25-36
With the coming of a new church year, the Gospel which the reading focuses on shifts. In this church year the Gospel that will serve as the primary source is the Gospel of Luke. The events of this passage took place in the days shortly before Jesus’ crucifixion. The reading records predictions Jesus made about the End, promises that His Word will not pass away, and the exhortation to stay awake and be watchful for Jesus’ return. In the Advent season, these texts draw the reader to the message that Jesus is coming. We may not know when, but we do anticipate His return and hold tightly to His Word.
Teaching
Jesus speaks of the end of the world as an event that is both fearful and hopeful. He speaks signs in the heavens, nations in perplexity, people fainting with fear and foreboding. It is clear that God’s judgement is hard, and the day that His judgement falls upon the earth will be dreadful.
At the same time, this second advent is a time of hope. Believers know that Jesus’ return means their full redemption. The full effect of Jesus’ cross and empty tomb will be known in their life and they will no longer struggle with sin, temptation, persecution, fear, or doubt. Having watched and waited for that day and having held on to Jesus’ eternal Word they will receive the promised reward
Life
Sometimes when people talk about the end of the world and Jesus’ second coming they do so with fear and trepidation. It is important that we take Jesus’ words to heart on this matter. He says, “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” We are indeed to watch so we do not become weighed down in dissipation and drunkenness; that we are not lulled to a comfortable doze by the enchantments and pleasures of this world, but we watch and wait for that day when our salvation will be completed.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You will return at the proper time, a time we do not expect. That day will be terrible and some will pass out with fear because of the terror. For us who trust in You for our salvation, however, that day of Your coming is our redemption, hope, and joy.
Thank You, O Lord, for promising to return. We thank You for judging sin and for destroying it. You will come in power and might against those who have harmed Your people, and we thank You for redeeming us from the powers of this world. Thank You for warning us to be awake and to not be lulled asleep.
Forgive us, Dear Christ, for allowing ourselves to become so comfortable with this world that we have indeed been like drunks, dissipated and heedless of Your will and judgement. Indeed, there have been times that even Your salvation has been far from our minds and all we longed for was the pleasures that this world offered us. We repent and ask for Your forgiveness.

Come soon, Lord! Shake the heavens and come down to rescue us from our lives of sin and sorrow. Help us to see the events of this world and to not become discouraged but to lift up our heads and to take note of the change in the seasons which tell us that You are coming soon. Give us strength, to endure and to hold on to that which will never pass away: Your Word. Amen. 

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