Preparing for Worship - November 14, 2021

There are only two more weeks in our church year, and our thoughts turn to the end of our life and end times and the return of Christ our Lord.

The Psalm is Psalm 16. Though David still has struggles, he takes refuge only in the one true God, Who has given him so many blessings and continues to give him counsel and guidance for his life. He does not even fear death, for he has “the path of life” with the Lord forevermore. (His words are quoted in the New Testament as a prophecy of Jesus and His death and resurrection and life eternal.)

The Old Testament lesson is from Daniel 12:1-3. There will be much trouble near the end of the world. The Lord Jesus will then come, and all the bodies of the dead will be raised. Those whose names are in the book of life (by trust in God’s saving plan in Jesus) will be raised to everlasting life, where they will shine forever with the light of the Lord and His righteousness. The others, who lived apart from the Lord, will be raised to shame and everlasting contempt.

The Epistle lesson is from Hebrews 10:11-25 and begins with the contrast between the continual priestly sacrifices of Judaism and the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, which brought forgiveness of all sins and confidence to approach and worship God, in full assurance of faith in Him, and the personal cleansing in our baptism.  We are warned not to forsake meeting together with fellow believers, but to encourage one another to love and good works and holding fast to our faith, as we await the Day of Christ’s return.

The Gospel lesson is from Mark 13:1-13. Jesus Himself answers questions and comments from His disciples about times to come. He predicts the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and much trouble for His disciples and for the believers in the church. At the same time, the Holy Spirit will be at work through the Word, as the Gospel is proclaimed to all nations, including ours still today. Jesus warns his followers to be on guard and watch out for false teachers who seek to lead people astray. He calls believers to stay in faith in Him and His Word no matter what goes on, for those who “endure to the end will be saved.”