Preparing for Worship - November 21, 2021

This is the Last Sunday of the Church Year. There are two possible choices for almost all of the readings. I will write about the most likely readings to be chosen, but will also list the alternatives at the end.

The Old Testament lesson is from Isaiah 51:4-6. God calls His people to pay attention and listen to Him; for He says, I will provide “My law, My justice as a light, My righteousness, My salvation, and My arms” to bring hope for you who “wait for Me." Though the heavens and the earth pass away, God’s salvation will be forever for His people.

The psalm is Psalm 93. It, too, emphasizes the everlasting nature of God. Though floods and seas and storms may threaten, the Lord is “mighty” and “trustworthy,” as He reigns over His people forever.

The Epistle is Jude 20-25. As God’s “beloved” people, we are called to continue in the “most holy faith,” trusting in God’s love and “waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” We are also called to share that mercy of Christ with others, especially those who are struggling in faith. The Lord, who has been working for our good “before all time and now and forever,” is able to is “keep us from stumbling.”

The Gospel lesson is from Mark 13:24-37, as Jesus assures His disciples and us that He, “the Son of Man,” will return one day in “power and glory” and gather all believers to Himself for eternal life. No one but the Father knows when that Day will come, so we are all called to be spiritually awake and ready by continuing faith in Jesus. The heavens and earth will pass away, but God’s Word and His promises will not pass away.

Alternative readings, which might be used in some churches, are:

• Old Testament: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
• Epistle: Revelation 1:4b-8
• Gospel: John 18:33-37

All of these readings emphasize the eternal nature of God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” His “kingdom is not of this world,” but we are part of it through faith in Jesus, “who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His Blood” and is “coming again with the clouds for us, and every eye will see Him.” There is eternal joy for those who have the gift of faith, but eternal sorrow for those who have rejected Christ and lived without Him.