November 25, 2023

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 26: Psalm 39:4-5, 7-8, 12a; antiphon 2 Peter 3:13

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 11:1-23, Matthew 24:1-28

In keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth,

the home of righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The end of the world is going to happen and Christian’s and non-Christians believe it.  We love to stream shows depicting a zombie apocalypse.  The world hears warnings of financial collapse or global warming,- burning our world up.  It seems that we can all agree that this world will come to an end. But how? Peter assures us that the Day of the Lord will Come; in the Lord’s time, with destruction for the ungodly, but salvation for the faithful.

Do we have the same attitude toward the end as the rest of the world? No! Every week we get to say that Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead (Nicene Creed) – it could be any moment.  The good news is that Peter says: “the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” In Jesus and His forgiveness you are ready, you are prepared, let us pray come Lord Jesus, come quickly. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Zion hears the watchmen singing,  And all her heart with joy is springing;  She wakes, she rises from her gloom.  For her Lord comes down all-glorious,  The strong in grace, in truth victorious;  Her star is ris'n, her light is come.  Now come, Thou Blessed One,  Lord Jesus, God's own Son,  Hail! Hosanna!  We enter all   The wedding hall  To eat the Supper at Thy call.  (LSB 516:2)

- Pastor Kent Schaaf is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock. AR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.