November 21, 2023

Today's Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 3:6-4:2, Matthew 22:1-22

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. (1 Thessalonians 5:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. During this time of year we are coming to the close of another church year. Between this time and the season of Advent, we hear an awful lot about the return of Jesus: the last day, the day of judgment. So many and Christianity want to know when that will happen. So many Christians are terrified by that day, and left in our sins we should be terrified!   So many in Christianity today like to act like they know when it’s going to happen because of signs and seasons all around us. 

Paul’s words today in 1 Thessalonians 5 show us how we should anticipate Jesus’ return. Holy Scripture is silent, we don’t know when it’s gonna happen.  Pray it happens, but don’t fret about it.  The Lord’s final verdict for you in Jesus is “not guilty”.  In Christ you are perfect, and without blemish or stain of sin. That is who you are now in your Baptism, and that is who you are, when the Lord returns to judge the living and the dead.  We don’t know when this last day will happen, but we should fervently pray for it to happen sooner than later. On that day, the Lord will return to bring us to that place where there is no darkness, no sin, no death. In Christ, we will see him face-to-face, and live in the light of his glory forever and ever, come Lord Jesus come quickly!  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The One whom angels tended comes near, a child, to serve; thus God, the judge offended, bears all our sins deserve. The guilty need not cower, for God has reconciled  through his redemptive power all those who trust this child.  (LSB 337:2)

- 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.