November 02, 2020 – Monday prior to Pentecost 23 ( Proper 27)

 

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Psalm 84:1, 9-12 -

The days are getting shorter and the Church Year is coming to a close. The lessons take on a more somber tone as we perceive that the end of days is coming.

Christ who was active in the work of creation, “then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…’”-Genesis 1:26 entered this world to live a perfect life for you. He bore your sin as His own all the way to the blessed cross to die in your place and then victoriously rise from the dead on the third day.  Jesus has promised, “But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” -Matthew 24:13-14

The Savior has also proclaimed, “Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also who pierced him: and all tribes of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty.”- Revelation 1:7-8 Yes, soon and very soon we shall see the king!

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We need not be frightened by the promise of the Lord’s Second Advent and of His coming. He will guard and keep you. He will shelter you and preserve your life. This promise is mentioned in the Introit. The Antiphon for this coming Sunday is from Psalm 84:3, “Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.”

You can confidently and joyfully live and share your faith until Jesus comes. He’s by your side bringing you all of His good gifts of salvation and life. In all things your life is a reflection of the Savior’s mercy and grace. Live your life with a significant purpose. In all you say and do the focus is on Christ the coming one.  

Collect for Psalm 84: Almighty God, you heard the prayer o Christ, your chosen one and raise him to the lasting joy of your presence. Help us in our pilgrimage toward you to love your Church and to offer the sacrifice of praise at your altar, that we may hasten to your home and joyfully look upon your glorious splendor, which we have seen in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  [3]

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[1] The Ten Virgins, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Consider the birds they neither sow copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[3] Collect for Psalm 84, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY