11/12/2023 Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

THE CHRISTIAN WAITS

In his gospel, Matthew has a fivefold emphasis on the world not knowing when the Son of Man will come again (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44, 50; 25:13). The Christian waits for the second coming with eager anticipation and with knowledge that informs our life in the end time.

November 5 (All Saints’ Day): Focused on Future Glory

November 12 (Proper 27): Watchful for the Bridegroom

November 19 (Proper 28): Faithful for the Master

November 26 (Last Sunday of the Church Year): Hopeful for the Coming Judgment.

WATCHFUL FOR THE BRIDEGROOM

Lord, keep us watchful for the Bridegroom! 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 its Savior and cries, "Come, Lord Jesus!" As we journey through these latter days, however, our vigilance may slip and our hearts grow drowsy (First Reading) because the Bridegroom seems to be taking so long (Gospel). But our Second Reading reminds us that we are not like the rest of this world. We are called to wait and be watchful for the coming of our Bridegroom. 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" (Prayer of the Day).

"Wake, awake, for night is flying," the watchmen on the heights are crying;

"awake, Jerusalem, arise!"

Midnight hears the welcome voices and at the thrilling cry rejoices:

"Oh, where are all you virgins wise?

The Bridegroom comes, awake! Your lamps with gladness take! Alleluia!

With bridal care yourselves prepare

to meet the Bridegroom, who is near." (Hymn of the Day—#486)

God bless your worship.

Pastor Adam Mueller will preach on 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11. "Wait For It..."

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