“Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
HYMNS FOR THE DAY
- Opening Hymn “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” (LSB 516) Text under “more” in video.
- Hymn of the Day “The Day Is Surely Drawing Near” (LSB 508) Text here.
- Distribution Hymns
- “O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide” (LSB 355)
- “O Gracious Lord, I Firmly Am Believing” (LSB 635) Text unavailable.
- “The Clouds of Judgment Gather” (LSB 513)
- “I Trust, O Christ, in You Alone” (LSB 972) Text unavailable.
- Closing Hymn “Forth in the Peace of Christ We Go” (LSB 920) Text under “more” in video.
Twenty-third sunday after pentecost
Sermon
A note from Pastor regarding his sermon:
For the disciples in this week’s Gospel reading, hearing about the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the end of the world is understandably frightening. The life and blessings they have received here on earth have become comfortable and familiar, and the idea that everything will be changed in a moment can be terrifying.
It is also understandable that the disciples wonder when this change will take place. What signs will tell them that it’s time to prepare? How much time will they have to get ready to bid farewell to this life and remind themselves of the new one that approaches?
Of course, these are questions we’d like to have answered, from time to time, too. But instead of giving us a time – or even clues that will help us discover when we should prepare to get ready – God instead tells us, “Your redemption is drawing near!”