Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of our risen, ascended, and returning Savior, Jesus.
First, I want you to be aware of some upcoming events. I encourage you to participate.
A Thanksgiving Eve service is being planned for this coming Wednesday the 23rd beginning at 6:30 pm.
Next Sunday November 27th, the Advent season begins. Please plan now to attend evening midweek services on Wednesdays 11/30, 12/7 and 12/14. Start times will be 6:30 pm.
A pre-Christmas party is being planned for December 9 at 6:30 at the home of JD Yanchak. Attendees are asked to bring some food to share. There will also be a gift exchange if you want to participate. Please RSVP to Jackie Craver, Susie Hopkins, or JD. They can give you more details.
A brief Voters meeting is scheduled to follow the service on Sunday December 11. We will elect officers and approve the budget for 2023, and submit nominations for Synod President.
Sunday November 20 is designated as the last Sunday of the church year. In some places the day is also called Christ the King Sunday. The end of a year ought to remind us that God warns that the world and life as we know it will also be coming to an end, when Jesus comes in judgment and makes a final gathering of His people into heaven. So, trusting God and guided by His word we ought to prepare, that we may eagerly anticipate that day, and not be caught unaware.
The Scripture readings for the day are Psalm 46, Malachi 3:13-18, Colossians 1:13-20, and Luke 23:27-43.
Hymns chosen for the day are #592 Dearest Jesus, We Are Here; #529 Since Our Great High Priest, Christ Jesus; #750 If Thou But Trust in God to Guide Thee; and for those present to receive communion, we will sing#629 What is This Bread and #632 O Jesus, Blessed Lord during the distribution.
We read Psalm 46 a few weeks ago as we observed the Reformation. The Psalm was the basis for Luther’s famous hymn, A Mighty Fortress. The psalm is directed to the choirmaster of the sons of Korah. These were descendants of the priest Levi, and served the tabernacle and temple as musicians. The attribution says it is a song according to Alamoth. It is not clear what alamoth means. Evidently it is a musical or liturgical term. Some scholars suggest it indicates the psalm is to be accompanied by sopranos, or flutes. The psalm poetically describes the assurance and safety God gives. In the midst of wars, disasters, and other problems He remains a steadfast refuge—He is a present and active help in any time of trouble. When other people are in a panic we can be calm knowing God is in control. He will be your help, your shield and defender on the last day. But we don’t have to wait for crises to arise before turning to God. We should honor Him in all we do.
We read from chapter 4 of the prophecy of Malachi last week. He is the last prophet of God recorded before the end of the “Old Testament” period. God seems to go silent for 300-400 years until the coming of John the Baptizer. Like previous prophets, Malachi condemns sinful behavior such as unfaithful priests, divorce, and stingy, reluctant, or insincere offerings. This week we go backwards a bit to read from Chapter 3. The people of Malachi’s day were complaining that God was the source of their problems. Evildoers seemed to have the upper hand. The people didn’t feel that there was any benefit in worshipping or serving God. Similar attitudes continue to this day. God speaks through Malachi to criticize and correct such rebellious and arrogant thinking. On the other hand, there were also people who properly feared, loved, and trusted God. He makes a promise to spare them from the coming judgment; instead, He would write their name in the book of life. What about you? Are you one who fails to serve God (for any number of reasons), or will you serve Him as you live your daily vocation? Repent and believe His promises—by Jesus’ life and death He forgives your disobedience. Don’t overlook or neglect this gift of salvation.
Colossae was an important city located in the ancient region of Phrygia in the southwest part of what is now the country of Turkey. A one-time leading commercial center, the city was falling into decline when a Christian congregation was organized there by a man named Epaphras. He was from Ephesus and was a convert and student of St. Paul during his 2nd missionary journey to the region. A heresy had begun in the city, teaching a distinction or separation between the “spiritual” Jesus from the “physical” Jesus. In the reading for this Sunday, from the first chapter of his letter to the Colossians, Paul clearly states that such separation is wrong thinking. He identifies Jesus as the true Son of God, Jesus is Creator of all things, with divine authority. Since His incarnation He is also true man. In Him the invisible God is revealed for us to see. By His bodily suffering and shedding His blood on the cross Jesus has won forgiveness of sins for us, reconciling you to God. You have been redeemed by Jesus. He gave His life in exchange for yours. You belong to Him. He has brought you from the darkness of sin into His glorious light. It is this ‘united’ Jesus, God and glorified man risen from the dead and ascended into heaven who will return to bring you to heaven. How should we prepare?
The Gospel reading for the last Sunday of the Church year is a text from Luke 23, usually read during Holy Week, particularly Good Friday. Luke reports on the events and behavior of the people leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. As He approaches death, Jesus speaks forgiveness. And to the thief who in repentance asks Jesus to remember him when He enters heaven, Jesus promises you will be with me in Paradise. That promise is available to you as well as you trust in Jesus. On the last day there will be true groups of people judged. Those who believed and trusted Him will be with Him in Paradise/Heaven. Those who rejected Jesus and ignored His Word will be sent away to suffer eternity without God.
We intend to stream the service on Facebook Live beginning at 10:30. Bible study is available at 9. I urge you to attend. It would be a great opportunity to learn more of God’s will for you. Let me know if you have any prayer requests, or questions about the Scripture texts mentioned above. The Lord be with you. Pastor Boster
