Opening Prayer
Lord, let Your Word waken us and keep us awake. Amen.
Text: Luke 21:25-36
“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” And He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you, likewise, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things are fulfilled. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Devotion
Many people completely forget that there is a judgment awaiting us, and no one remembers it with such vivid thought and feeling as the seriousness of the matter requires. Time flies, and every second brings us closer to the judgment. Don’t forget this! Even if most of the world keeps forgetting this, still don’t you forget it, faithful Christian! You also long for the Lord’s return in your inmost heart! “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Heb 9:27). See, the people of the world don’t want to know about it, but the reality will shock their cleverness. They imagine that there is no judgment, while they go straight toward the Lord’s judgment seat and stand surrounded by death, the entrance to the place of judgment. Yes, the Lord said He will come again, and He will keep His promise. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but His Word shall not pass away. Rejoice, you Christians! Soon the Son of Man shall be revealed, the glorious One who loves you, and whom you love. Begin now to lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. It is not a terrible Judge who summons you to appear before Him; it is the Son of Man with the scars on His glorious body. When you see the signs of the cross, you shall recognize Him and be made confident, while the proud and bold people of the world fear and tremble with doubt. He Himself has said that whoever believes in Him does not come to judgment, but has passed from death into life.
But watch! There is little time. Away with the cares of the world, away with the lusts of the flesh, away with all sleepiness and weariness! Watch, stand firm in the Lord, be brave, be strong! Don’t let the smoke screen of unbelief deceive you! Don’t let many lusts tear you away! Stand with your loins girded and your lights burning! Watch, for Jesus’ sake watch!
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us that we may always watch and pray! Faithful Father, “guard my soul, that it may never be remiss. May this be my concern: To remain steadfast with You, that, when You come, I may be found watching and with the elect enter the marriage feast.” Amen.
Hymn
Lift up thy head, O Christendom!
Behold in heav’n thy blessed home
For which thy heart is yearning.
There is thy Joy and soul’s Delight
Who soon with pow’r and glory bright
Will be for thee returning.
And when in ev’ry land and clime
Thou shalt behold His signs sublime,
The sinful world appalling,
Then shalt with joy thou lift thine eyes
And see Him coming in the skies,
While sun and stars are falling.
Paludan/Grundtvig: L 104:1-2 HCH 243:1-2 tr. J. C. Aaberg;
tune: Kommt her zu mir (ELH 189); alternate hymn: Lo! He comes ELH 98