Explanation of the Week
The Day on which our Lord will return is a “great and dreadful Day” (Mal 4:1-6). For He will come in a cloud with great power and glory. To the wicked and the proud, it will be a Day of judgment that will “burn them up.” The signs preceding this Day will bring them fear and fainting. But to those who believe, who fear the name of the Lord, this Day is one to look forward to and rejoice in. “Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Lk 21:25-36) Christ our Redeemer is coming; the Sun of Righteousness is bringing healing in His wings. Let us, then, give attention to the words of the Lord, which do not pass away. Let us through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures (Rom 15:4-13) be strengthened in our hope by the Holy Spirit and watch diligently for Jesus’ coming. Then, by God’s grace, we shall escape all these things that will come to pass and stand before the Son of Man.
From the Pastor’s Desk
“The great and dreadful Day.” I hadn’t really ever thought of the Lord’s return in the way that Malachi talks about it. It will be a great day for those who are the sons of Abraham through faith. It will be a dreadful day for those who are not. So what should I think and feel about it now? I think it can mean a couple things.
Last week, I was saddened to hear of an attack in Burkina Faso upon our brothers and sisters in Christ who were attending worship. 14 martyrs for the faith passed into glory. My first two thoughts were, “Lord have mercy,” and “Come quickly, Lord.”
In the face of the perils that this life offers, it is good to eagerly and earnestly desire for the return of Christ. After all, that day will be the best day we ever see. Whether we are caught into the air or raised from the dead, we will see that day and it will be awesome.
At the same time, when we see the great need for Christ in or own lives, we also recognize the need for Christ in the lives of those around us. This need, coupled with our love for our neighbor and our love of God and His Word ought to move us to be active witnesses and ambassadors of Christ in the world.
This witness takes many forms. For most, it means proclaiming the death and resurrection of Christ for sinners to their families. Our children need to hear and know of their great savior. It also means reminding each other of God’s love poured out for us amongst the church, those who already believe. But we cannot stop there, we are also called to be witnesses within society as a whole.
This witness is not just preaching and one-on-one evangelism, although for some, it may be that. This witness is lived out in vocation with your neighbor, literally, by those who God puts in your way. Our call with those who are in or lives is to love them. This means to love them. To actually care for those around us, whether in our family, church, at work, or in our communities, is to do good for them and to point them to the one who is love, Christ Jesus.
Music
This week, we have some terrific hymns: Number 1 and 2 in the Ambassador Hymnal. Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates and O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Gloria Deo will be singing Light One Candle and Christmas Grace.
The music team will be leading us in song as we sing The Lion and the Lamb and Revelation Song.
God be praised for his mercy. See you on Sunday!