''But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only (Matthew 24:36).''

When will these things be? Jesus' disciples have always wanted to know the time for the fulfillment of the prophecies that have been made. Many people throughout the centuries have attempted to predict when Jesus would come back. But Jesus Himself tells us that no one knows but God the Father. We won't know when Jesus is coming back until we see Him coming back in the clouds.

Jesus places Himself in the category of the ignorant. Not because He is a lesser God than the Father. That the Father had kept this from Him. As true man, Jesus chose not to have this knowledge. In His human nature, He would not access this information from His divine nature.

It didn't matter to Jesus when He was coming back. The disciples didn't understand everything before He left. Why would He be worried about when He came back? He needed to teach them back then. He needs to teach us now.

If Jesus prioritizes the Church's teaching over speculation, why do we prioritize the speculation? Why do we '''WANT''' to know something that Jesus doesn't? Because we're sinful human beings. No one knows. No one needs to know. We must simply spend our lives sitting at His feet, learning of Him as He commands us. Amen.

Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)

Reading: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels

Part IV: The Praetorium

Hymn: LSB #440, "Jesus, I Will Ponder Now"

''Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away (Matthew 24:35).''

The 2010 book ''Heaven Is for Real'' got everyone buzzing about the "other side" once again. Everything this four-year-old boy saw in his visit to Heaven. The question often posed to me about this book is, "Is it true?" My beginning answer is "Yes and no."

I find it hard to believe that a child would make up a vision like this. According to his father, there were some things that he would not have known from before his birth. And these find themselves as prominent themes in the book.

However, I have to say that this is not the Heaven we will receive when Jesus comes back. The problem with Colton's vision of the current Heaven is the fact that the angels have weapons. They have weapons because Satan is still allowed in Heaven. This comes from the book of Job. Satan comes into God's presence to seek permission to torment Job (1:6-12; 2:1-7). The current Heaven is fallen because of Satan's rebellion against God.

So Jesus says, "Heaven and earth will pass away." Everything that God created "very good" in the six days of creation will pass away and be re-created. The only thing that will not be destroyed after Christ's return is Hell. It was not part of the original creation. It was created for the devil and his angels because of their rebellion (Matthew 25:41). The lake of fire will continue to exist into eternity, but there will be a new Heaven and a new earth, as Isaiah prophesied (65:17-25; 66:22-24). This new Heaven and new earth will be "very good" as they were in the beginning. But this time there will be no rebellion. Only glory in God's presence. Amen.

The final 5th Wednesday WrestlExtravaganza!!

We look at the early years of the Survivor Series PPVs as they began with a great gimmick concept and have basically gone away from it by 2000.

Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)

Reading: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels

Part III: The Palace of the High Priest

Hymn: LSB #440, "Jesus, I Will Ponder Now"

''Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place (Matthew 24:34).''

This generation. The generation Jesus was speaking to. This generation would see all the great things of the End Times.

The abomination of desolation. The sun darkened. The Son of Man in the air. All these things Jesus' generation saw all the great signs He prophesied.

The End Times began with the crucifixion. Jesus becomes the abomination of desolation as He takes on the sins of the world. The sun darkens as God turns His back on His Son. Jesus is suspended in the air. With everyone looking up towards Him.

That generation saw the greatest event in world history. And they've given us their testimony. Through their testimony we believe and hope for His return. Amen.

Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)

Reading: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels

Part II: Gethsemane

Hymn: LSB #440, "Jesus, I Will Ponder Now"

''From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates (Matthew 24:32-33).''

The fig tree was one of the most plentiful trees in the Middle East. It was also one that could be used as a sign of the changes in season. When the leaves would come out, it was late spring and getting close to summer. A notion we'd love to have right now as we look out on the cold and snow outside our windows.

The sign of the fig tree can be used as a sign of the End Times. When we see all the signs that Jesus has given in this chapter. That we have covered these past two months. We will know that He is near.

Where are we in all these signs? We've seen them all. Every sign that Jesus gives has come. The end is near. He is standing at the gates of Heaven, waiting for the moment that God the Father will send Him to bring the elect home. Amen.

Liturgy: Responsive Prayer 2 (LSB p. 285)

Reading: The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ Drawn from the Four Gospels

Part I: The Lord's Supper

Hymn: LSB #440, "Jesus, I Will Ponder Now"

Liturgical Date: Palm Sunday 

Calendar Date: March 28, 2021

Location: Our Savior, Milford, IL

Order of Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching

Hymns:

#442, "All Glory, Laud and Honor"

#443, "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"

#441, "Ride on, Ride on in Majesty"

#334, "O Lord, How Shall I Meet You"

Sermon Theme: Ride on, King Jesus!

Sermon Text: Zechariah 9:9-12

Other Lectionary Readings: 

Psalm 118:19-29

Philippians 2:5-11

John 12:12-19