On this last Sunday of the Church Year, we rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s plan for our salvation through Christ our King. And we rejoice because our Christ our King reigns—the king who once came as a sacrifice; the king who still shepherds us day by day; the king who one day will conquer all our enemies. Rejoice in his reign and look forward to the day when every knee will bow with us before the King of kings and Lord of lords!
Lord Keep Us Watchful for Our Triumph
Today the Church hears strains of the distant triumph song and affirms, “Blessed are they who are called to the marriage feast of the Lamb.” Jesus wants us to be the waiting Church—the Church that watches for her Savior and cries, “Come, Lord Jesus!” As we journey through these last days, however, our vigilance slips, and our hearts grow drowsy because the bridegroom seems to be taking so long. So while we wait, the Church prays, “Keep us ever watchful for the coming of your Son that we may sit with him and all your holy ones at the marriage feast in heaven.”
Lord Keep Us Mindful of the Judgment
Today we talk about Judgment day. The attitude of the unbeliever to any talk of judgment by God can only be denial or terror. But the attitude of the child of God is formed by the Word of God, which has created their faith during their life on earth. The Word of God helps us to look forward to the day on which we pass into the courtroom of God to hear the “Not guilty!” verdict which brought us to faith in the frst place. There is no better preparation for death and judgment than a firm clinging to that gracious verdict. There is no better life than the one that has that verdict as its center and the motivation for everything in it.
Lord Keep Us Faithful to the Word
At the festival of the Reformation, we give thanks that by God’s grace alone and through his Word alone, we have been rescued from the false ways of salvation that could only lead us to ruin and doom. Prompted by his grace, let us stand fast in his true Word, and to a life that reflects our devotion to a Savior who gave himself up for us.