Now begins a season of anticipation and expectation. Expecting what? Anticipating what?

The psalmist heralds a day that people will enter Jerusalem, a prosperous, secure, and peaceful city, to give thanks to God. (Psalm 122) Isaiah looks for the day that such peace extends beyond Jerusalem to the nations around it, when the tools of war will be recast as instruments of prosperity. (Isaiah 2:1-5)

Matthew cites Jesus’ teaching about the day of the coming of the Son of Man, which no one can foretell, but for which everyone should be prepared, lest they be found sluggish or asleep, caught off guard, shocked by the sudden arrival. (Matthew 24:36-44) Paul suggests that a day is coming ever nearer, when we will be served not by debauchery, merriment, gluttony, and quarreling, but by the righteousness of Christ. (Romans 13:11-14)

Hmm. . .  Not exactly what I see in store windows and TV commercials these days. Read the rest of this entry »

Here on the last Sunday after Pentecost, we are given the invitation to acclaim Christ as the one who reigns over all things, who rules in all times and places, and who cares for us as shepherd and sovereign. It is an intriguing festival, coming where it does in the annual rhythm of the church year. Generally speaking, the church gives some attention to last things as the season after Pentecost winds down. And as we begin a new church year with Advent next Sunday, we will hear more about being ready for a surprising appearance of Christ again.

We do well to remember that it is indeed Christ who rules our lives, with mercy and with authority. This not a Christ whose resurrection and ascension whisked him off to a remote place and a distant time for which we all must wait with trembling or excitement. This is the Christ whose death, resurrection, and ascension gives him the authority to have say in our lives today. This is a Christ whose kingdom is already begun, and who invites all to come to himself and to come under his gentle rule.

The readings help us to remember Christ’s source, his sacrifice, and his exaltation. The prophet proclaims God’s intention to gather a scattered and poorly tended flock, and secure them under a righteous and just king. (Jeremiah 23:1-6) The canticle of Zechariah (known to many as the Benedictus) sings of the imminence of this savior, and blesses God for the light, salvation, and guidance that comes from him. (Luke 1:68-79) The gospel reading is from Luke’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus, where he asserts his reign by promising a thief that he will be with him that very day in paradise. (Luke 23:33-43)

Summing up all of these, is the great hymn from Colossians, in which Christ is acclaimed as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn from the dead, the one in whom all things have their origin and their purpose. In him all things hold together. In him is reconciliation and peace. (Colossians 1:11-20) Read the rest of this entry »

Today is the next to last Sunday of the church year (and the last of the ordinary Sundays, before celebrating the Reign of Christ next week). At this time of the year, the church gives some attention to “last things,” when some things come to an end so that new things can take their places. Some people focus on the “end of time,” others on the Second Coming, and still others on preparing for judgement and woe. But these lessons are not ones of doom and gloom.

None of the readings advise us to sit idly by and and tremble at the prospects of some cataclysmic event. Rather, we are admonished to be expectant, hopeful, and diligent in the ways of faith, and to speak up and give testimony to what God is doing. We are encouraged to sing and rejoice in new and marvelous things, and to be fearless in the face of adversity, knowing that we are secure in the knowledge and love of God. Read the rest of this entry »

Last Monday was All Saints Day, and according to custom Second Church observes this festival on the Sunday immediately following. It is an occasion to recall the faithfulness of believers and disciples past and present, and to recall God’s faithfulness in the promise of a place in the kingdom forever. This is also the day we recall those of our faith community who have died in the past year, and to affirm our hope and belief that they have passed from this assembly to another one more glorious.

The readings for All Saints Day in this cycle are an interesting mix of writings from different ages of God’s people. The oldest of the readings is the psalm, exhorting the assembly of the faithful to praise God with singing, dancing, and instruments — but to balance their exultation with a rather harsh execution of God’s judgment on the nations. (Psalm 149) Daniel writes centuries later, conveying a vision of winds and beasts, and of an assurance that the faithful will inherit the kingdom forever. (Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18) Doubtless, these meant something quite different to the people of that day than we might imagine now, so what might be the meaning of our visions? Read the rest of this entry »

Today’s readings bring more assurance for those who wait for God, and who find themselves bearing burdens and persecution. It is a persistent theme, especially as we approach the end of a church year. But regardless of the time of year, the readings all give echo to many of our hearts’ complaints, and give assurance that the promises of God are trustworthy and true.

The psalm is a small excerpt from Psalm 119, which proclaims the surety and sanctity of God’s law and the security and joy to be found in walking in God’s ways. (Psalm 119:137-144) Habakkuk is weary and has had quite enough of wicked people who ignore the ways of God and who make justice impossible. Yet he pledges to keep watch and wait for God’s justice to prevail. (Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4)

The epistle reading is from another of Paul’s letters, where he again lauds believers’ endurance in the face of persecution and suffering they bear because of their faith. (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12) And in the gospel reading, the story is told of Zaccheus, waiting for Jesus by the side of the road, like so many other characters in the gospel writings. Jesus honors his waiting by acknowledging him and going to his house, scandalous though that would be. (Luke 19:1-10)

Waiting. I’m not good at it. Maybe you know what that’s like. We want answers. We want action. We want resolution. We get tired of waiting. And, in spite of the holy instruction in the scriptures, it’s hard to bear up. So, like Zaccheus, we need One to greet us, and come to our homes, and bring salvation to our hearts. Read the rest of this entry »

At Second Church this Sunday, the youth of the congregation will have a larger than usual presence in the second service, as they contribute in greater part to the readings and music of the service. Zach, the director of youth ministry, has been encouraging middle schoolers in discussions about the Gospel reading, the confession of faith, and communion. And Alisha has been preparing the Kingdom Kids to sing some of their songs of faith.

The lessons that frame today’s service include the great hymn of praise that the psalmist offers, in recognition of the goodness of God made known in awesome deeds, in the beauty of creation, and in the forgiveness of transgressions. (Psalm 65) The prophet Joel relays the promise of good things to those who have been so long in need. (Joel 2:23-32)

Timothy continues his teaching, using the metaphors of fighting a good fight and finishing a race in living a faithful life. (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18) But perhaps as a check against the self-righteousness that can come from being too gung-ho, we read Luke’s familiar story of two men who went to pray. One, proud and haughty, was full of himself and condescending to others. The other, meek and humble, only pleaded for mercy and was justified. (Luke 18:9-14)

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In today’s readings, we hear more encouragement, and a continuation of the assurance that God really does respond to those who are persistent and patient. We’ve heard lots about enduring suffering, lament, and alienation in recent weeks. Thankfully, those are not the final words of the God we know in the Scriptures.

The Old Testament readings talk about knowing God, and knowing God’s ways. Jeremiah’s word to the people is that, in spite of everything that has happened between God and God’s people, God will make a new covenant in which knowledge of God and God’s ways will be written in the hearts of people. (Jeremiah 31:27-34) The psalmist takes delight in this law of God, loving its wisdom and understanding — Sweet! (Psalm 119:97-104)

Paul continues his teaching to Timothy, emphasizing the importance of being steady and persistent, true to his calling and diligent in his proclamation of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5) And Luke tells the story of a persistent woman who insists on being granted justice, and who is hailed for wearing down the resistance of the unjust judge. Persistence in the demand for justice paid off, even in confronting the ungodly. (Luke 18:1-8)

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The readings for today are quite a contrast to those of last week, when they were songs of lament, suffering, and burden. Today’s readings look forward, and urge us to be joyful and thankful for the restorations that come out of hardship and suffering.

The psalm is exultant, calling for a joyful song in remembrance of the many ways that God rescues and redeems God’s people from hardship. (Psalm 66:1-12) The prophet delivers encouragement to those exiled in Babylon to go ahead and construct a life there, to have families, and to make a home for themselves as good neighbors even in a strange place. (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7)

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This year, the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost is also the day designated as World Communion Sunday. So we have two points of focus for our worship today. And the observance of World Communion Sunday gives us an added purpose to our music, which you’ll see described further below.

The first point of focus is in today’s readings. These are not the cheeriest of days in the lectionary cycle, as the selected scriptures speak very plainly about disappointment, obligation, and indebtedness. Read the rest of this entry »

The readings for the day are an assortment of texts that tell of God’s faithfulness and promises of blessing. Each lesson has its own thrust, but one can imagine a preacher somewhere organizing his/her thoughts around the old ad campaign: Good things come to those who wait. Read the rest of this entry »