Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of Jesus. I begin by reminding you that plans are being made for a Thanksgiving Eve Service 6:30 pm Wednesday, November 22.
The service for November 12 will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are #802 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise; #663 Rise My Soul to Watch and Pray; #635 O Gracious God, I Firmly Am Believing; and#652 Father, We Thank Thee.
The Scripture readings for November 12 are Psalm 70:1-5; Amos 5:18-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; and Matthew 25:1-13. You may remember that many churches follow a calendar that moves through a series of seasons—Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and the Sundays after Pentecost. As a church year comes to an end, the lectionary readings include Bible texts that consider the approaching end of the world, the Day of the Lord, the day Jesus visibly returns and gathers His believers, and makes judgment against unbelievers. These end of year lectionary readings serve to warn unbelievers, urging them to turn to Jesus so that they would avoid the horrors of God’s wrath against sin; and also serve to encourage believers to remain faithful, holding to Jesus’ promises and anticipating the coming joyous reunion in heaven. These two themes of judgment and anticipation are evident in Sunday’s readings. Please pay heed to them that you would be ready to welcome Jesus. The One who judges is also the One who saves.
The opening attribution of Psalm 70 says it is a psalm of David, intended for the choirmaster to be used during the memorial offering, a portion of the ritual sacrifices listed in Leviticus Chapters 2 and 6. These sacrificial portions represent the whole, and are offered in thanksgiving and remembrance of God’s goodness and generosity. David identifies two groups of people—first, those who seek his life, and secondly, those who seek God. David asks that God would shame those who want to hurt him, and to bring joy to all who seek God’s salvation. David concludes by asking God to protect him. David’s plea expresses his trust that God would ultimately deliver him. Our lives are constantly being hurt by the sinful world we live in, sometimes even by our friends. The devil is a particular threat as he deceives and accuses, trying to lead us away from God. Jesus came into the world to overturn the devil and his wicked ways. Jesus is the sure answer to our pleas for help and deliverance. Keep your hearts and hopes set on Him. O Lord Jesus, come soon!
The Old Testament lesson is from Amos 5. These are harsh words of warning. God spoke through Amos to the people of Israel during a time of prosperity. But the people had abused this prosperity, hoarding for themselves, satisfying their desires, and ignoring God and the needs of the poor. Their goal was luxury and ease, not righteousness or justice. Their worship was half-hearted; their hymn singing rang hollow. The things they had come to love were the things God detested. So, God speaks a word of coming judgment against their selfishness, apathy, and injustice. The Assyrian army would come as an instrument of judgment against them on the “Day of the Lord”. Imagery of a man running from a lion only to be met by a bear indicates there would be no escape from God’s judgment. The Assyrian army did attack and destroy Israel. This judgment is a foreshadowing of the coming Day of the Lord, when Jesus visibly arrives and takes His throne to judge, separating believers from unbelievers. Jesus is the only one who can rescue us from the coming wrath against sin. By His death and resurrection Jesus has redeemed you and provided the only means of escape. Follow Him and live.
The epistle lesson is from Chapter 4 of St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. Earlier in the letter Paul had praised the congregation for their work of faith, their labor of love, and their steadfastness of hope. Their faithfulness in time of persecution had become an example to follow among all the other Christians in the region. But apparently there were some questions about the return of Jesus. In the verses being read Sunday, Paul begins an explanation of the gathering of believers that will take place on the Day of the Lord. Jesus’ resurrection is the proof of what is to come to believers, whether dead or living. Paul does not describe some secret return of Jesus, but one that will be noticed by all, alerted by trumpet blast and angelic cries. Paul’s announcement of Jesus’ return is meant to be repeated, that believers may continue to be encouraged by it.
Matthew 25:1-13 includes a parable Jesus told. He compares the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins who were going to meet a bridegroom and escort him to his wedding. Since the timing of the wedding was uncertain, they took lamps with them. But five of the virgins were wise, and also took extra oil with them in case the bridegroom was delayed. The other five virgins were foolish and took no oil. When the bridegroom arrived suddenly at midnight, everyone scrambled to attention. Those who were prepared, entered into the wedding feast. But the five foolish virgins without oil, hurried away to see if they could still make some kind of arrangements. Sadly, they returned to find the door to the wedding feast locked, and they were left outside, unable to join in the celebration. Though it is unclear, we might interpret the lamps and oil to represent faith in Jesus. The oil might also represent repentance, or courage, or humility. More generally, the lamps and oil would represent anything that is necessary to honor the Bridegroom. Having repentant, humble, and patient faith would be part of the proper way to honor and accompany Jesus, the bridegroom of the Church. The point is, Jesus the Bridegroom is delayed in coming. And His arrival will happen suddenly. We don’t know when His arrival will be, but there are frequent signs. There have been signs in every generation. Some people are prepared for the delay, and some are not. Are you ready to meet Jesus, or are you intending to wait, focused on current issues, and hoping to do some last-minute scrambling? Will you be ready in time to enter the wedding feast and the kingdom of heaven, or will you be left outside when the door is closed? With faith in Jesus, it is not important how long He is delayed. Please listen to Jesus’ instruction. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Now is the time to turn to Jesus before it is too late.
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 not 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.
Let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s readings, or concerns about Jesus’ return. God grant you His peace. Pastor Boster
