Brothers and sisters, we are approaching the end of another church year. The end of the church year acts as a reminder that a day is approaching, the Bible frequently refers to it as “the day of the Lord”, when Jesus will return from heaven with a cry of command (1 Thessalonians 4:16) and time as we know it will come to an end. Each of us will be gathered to live in eternal timelessness. Those who are in Christ, those who trust and follow Jesus as their Savior, will enjoy the bliss of heaven. Those who ignore or reject Jesus will suffer the torments of hell. There is no in-between. There are no second chances. How should we prepare for this Last Day?
God warns through the prophet Amos (5:18-20) that the Day of the Lord will be “darkness, and not light” for all who worship God insincerely, who trust in their own righteousness and piety. The Lord desires a heart of faith that trusts in Him. Those who fear, love, and trust in God let “justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24) as they extend God’s love toward their neighbor. In a parable, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven to a wedding feast. We don’t know when the day of the feast is coming, but Jesus assures us it is coming. Those who are prepared, those faithfully looking for Jesus the Bridegroom of the Church to arrive, will be ready to meet Him and will be welcomed in. Those who are unprepared, those neglecting or not taking seriously their need for Jesus, will be shut out. (Matthew. 25:1–13). Therefore, as we await Jesus’ coming, wisdom directs us to be constant in prayer, sincere in worship, nourishing faith by the regular reception of forgiveness distributed in the Lord’s Supper and the preaching of the Gospel. The gospel points us to Jesus and the assurance of forgiveness and eternal life with Him. As we wait upon the Lord, let us “encourage one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18). Trusting in Jesus as your Savior from sin and condemnation, you will always be with the Lord, (1 Thessalonians 4:17) whether waking or sleeping, now or in the future.
On Sunday, November 8, we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One, beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #515 Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers; #663 Rise My Soul to Watch and Pray; #635 O Gracious God, I Firmly Am Believing; and #652 Father, We Thank Thee.
Scriptures assigned to the day are Psalm 70:1-5; Amos 5:18-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; and Matthew 25:1-13.
COLLECT: Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son to lead home His bride, the Church, that with all the company of the redeemed we may finally enter into His eternal wedding feast; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about the Bible lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
