Preparing for Worship - November 7, 2021

The readings for this weekend are for All Saints Sunday, which many churches will observe this weekend, though the actual All Saints Day was Monday. November 1.

In place of an Old Testament reading, this week is a reading from Revelation 7:(2-8) 9-17. This is a vision that the apostle John saw of the saints in heaven - people from every nation and background, worshiping and singing praises to God. They wear white robes, washed in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus, their Shepherd. Through Him they are forgiven and holy and have eternal joy in the presence of the Lord.

The Psalm is Psalm 149. Again we see the children of God singing praises to the Lord, for He has “adorned the humble with salvation” - those who praise His Name and will be victorious with Him, their King, on the Day of Judgment.

The Epistle is from 1 John 3:1-3. John speaks of the great love the Father has given to us by making us His children through true knowledge of and trust in Jesus. Through Him we are purified and will one day “see Him as He is” in eternal glory.

The Gospel lesson is from Matthew 5:1-12. This is the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the beatitudes, where He speaks of the blessings He brings. We can only receive from Him, since we are spiritually poor and meek and mourn over our sins and can only hunger and thirst for His righteousness and mercy for us. Jesus gives us His mercy, through His sacrifice for us, and makes us children of the kingdom of heaven. In the future, He will give us even more of His blessings, as we trust in Him - though now we will face persecution and evil.