Eternity and Resurrection
“We know that our Redeemer lives (Job 19:23-27a)! We walk in the paths of righteousness, always kept close by the Lord in “the shadow of his wings” (Psalm 17:1-9). We give thanks to him (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17) and look forward to being resurrected and living with him (Luke 20:27-38).”
– Thomas Oden, in Ancient Christian Devotional
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Trust and Obey
Seek the welfare of the place where you live (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7). Trust in God’s power to heal in unexpected ways (2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c). Give thanks to the Lord for his power, love, and grace (Psalm 111/Psalm 66). He is faithful, even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:8-15). Just as the leper returned to thank God, so also we should thank God for his undeserved salvation (Luke 17:11-19).
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Consuming Fire and Steadfast Love
God often chooses the weak to proclaim his word (Jeremiah 1:4-10). He satisfies those who call out to him, acknowledges his faithfulness, and delight in his ways (Psalm 71:1-6 and Isaiah 58:9b-14). God is merciful and kind, slow to anger and steadfast in love (Psalm 103:1-8). His love and holiness inspire awe. His kingdom cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:18-29). Through Jesus God has demonstrated his desire to break chains of bondage and heal our infirmities (Luke 13:10-17).
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Fire of Judgment
“The fire of judgment and the water of baptism were symbols of Jesus’ compelling call to ministry; they still are. What one enflames, the other can quench. Jesus forecasts a time of division when households will be divided. Within the household of faith, baptism is the sacrament that binds us together; whatever our differences, we are still one. As the body of Christ, obey what Christ teaches and be reconciled one to another.”
– Rev. James Kirk in When We Gather
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 and Psalm 82
Jeremiah 23:23-29
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Luke 12:49-56
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Forward in Faith
Learn to do good and seek justice (Isaiah 1:1, 10-20). God calls the whole earth into account, so continue to seek God’s ways (Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23) and live in faith (Genesis 15:1-6). Those who seek God hope in him and wait for his salvation (Psalm 33:12-22). Like Abraham, we should trust God for the things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16), and look forward to when Jesus will return (Lk. 12:32-40).
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Cry out to God to rescue the weak and deliver justice on behalf of the needy (Amos 7:7-17 and Psalm 82). God’s word is near to all who will recognize and follow his ways (Deuteronomy 30:9-14). He brings forgiveness and life to the humble who trust him and learn his ways (Psalm 25:1-9). We should strive to lead a life worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in good works, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:1-14). Those who are walking in the path of life will show mercy to strangers and sacrifice comfort for those who are in need (Luke 10:25-37).
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Healed to Rejoice and Bear Witness
The Word of God can cleanse and heal (2 Kings 5:1-14). The prophets remind us that God promises to comfort us as a mother comforts her child (Is 66:10-14). He will turn our mourning into dancing (Psalm 30) and we will rejoice and sing his praises (Psalm 66:1-8). We boast in the cross of Jesus Christ, who makes new life possible (Galatians 6:1-16). The disciples of Jesus are sent to reveal the kingdom of God to those who will receive it (Luke 10:1-11,16-20).
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Grace, Faith, and New Life
God provides for the faithful who are at their wit’s end (1 Kings 19:1-15a). His covenant love rescues those who have proven to be obstinate and slow to honor his ways (Isaiah 65:1-9). Jesus Christ makes us children of God through faith. Those who are baptized into Christ are heirs of God’s covenant and members of his community (Galatians 3:23-29). Praise God! Jesus has the power to cast out evil and has come to rescue those who are far from God (Luke 8:26-39).
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“Christ the King Sunday focuses our worship on the cosmic character of Christ’s reign over the world. It is a proclamation to all that everything in creation and culture must submit to Christ and an invitation to actively and joyfully submit to his rule. The day is celebrated widely in some traditions and is normally scheduled on the last Sunday before Advent. It therefore serves as a transitional Sunday leading directly into Advent, the Christmas cycle, and the new Christian year. The day fits well with the eschatological emphasis and anticipation of Christ’s second coming highlighted during Advent. It also helps worshipers, who are already thinking about Christmas, to remember that Christmas is about much more than a baby in a manger—it is about a sovereign Christ who came to be the ‘Prince of Peace.'”
– from The Worship Sourcebook, 2nd Ed.
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Confidence in Our Creator
“Lord, we take refuge in you (Psalm 16), for you listen to our despair (1 Samuel 1:4-20) and know the future (Mark 13:1-8). Therefore, we draw near to you, holding to your promises (Hebrews 10:11-25).”-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
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