10/4/2026: Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22)

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

The cartoon character holds a sign saying, “The End Is Near.” For Christians, this is not a message of fear. Instead, it is a message of watchful hope. Scripture teaches that the End Times began with Christ’s first coming, especially his death and resurrection. Christ will come again on judgment day. Now we live in that in-between time, when salvation has been won, but full glory is still to come. It’s the beginning of the end.

Jesus himself makes clear that no one knows the day or hour of his return. This uncertainty is not meant to trouble us, but to keep us spiritually awake. Each day becomes an opportunity to live in repentance and faith, turning from sin and trusting fully in Christ’s finished work for us.

Our preparation for the end is not about trying to predict signs or earn God’s favor. Instead, it is about remaining rooted in Jesus: hearing the Word, receiving the sacraments, and trusting the promises of forgiveness. These are God’s ways of keeping us ready.

“The Beginning of the End” reminds us that history is moving toward our own death and toward Christ’s return. For believers, that end is truly a beginning.

IT’S TIME TO SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER

Sometimes people get braver when they realize they are nearing the end. They speak things they couldn’t or wouldn’t say before, even to the powerful, because they realize they have nothing to lose.

The message of repentance and forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ death on the cross has many powerful enemies. Sometimes those enemies are religious people, rebellious spirits and heretics. Sometimes those enemies are people of this world who worship their own personal desires and glory in their shame.

It doesn’t matter how powerful the enemies are. God persists in speaking his truth and drawing our eyes to his Son, who will help us persevere to the end and speak truth to power.

God bless your worship.

Pastor Mueller preaches on Philippians 3:12-21: “The Truth We Swallow”

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