Pastor Quinn • November 14, 2021
Remaining in God's Love
A new year in the life of Christian worship begins with the Season of Advent. So, with our special Thanksgiving service scheduled for next Sunday, this week we observe the Last Sunday of the Church Year.
During the past month we've been thinking not just about the end of the Church Year, but about the end of the world. Today God tells us through the Prophet Isaiah what we have to look forward to in the end no matter what we've experienced in life, Jesus himself tells us to be vigilant in watching for his return since it will come unexpectedly, and the Lord's brother, Jude, shows us what should be our ultimate focus in the God-lived life in these last days-remaining in God's love.
When the Church gathers, it regularly remembers Christ’s ascension. The words “He ascended into heaven” are found in the three ecumenical creeds Christians use to confess their faith. In addition, the Church sets aside a day each year to focus on Christ’s ascension. This is for good reason. Jesus’ ascension marked the fact that his work was complete, in one sense. Never again will a sacrifice for sins need to be made. However, Jesus’ ascension also marks that, in another sense, his work is just beginning. Through the Church, Jesus now proclaims forgiveness of sins throughout the world. The Church consists of people like us who are often weak and timid witnesses for Christ. So, Jesus promised to send us his Spirit to give us power from heaven, that we might take the gospel to the ends of the earth. More, he ascended into heaven and sat down on the throne of God. He lives and reigns over everything for the benefit of his Church.
Conventional wisdom says that joy is a direct result of circumstance. Our disposition is nothing more than the product of events, conditions, and relationships of which our life consists. Therfore, it would seem that for our disposition to change, our circumstances need to change. But Jesus offers a joy that is superior. It is not a product of circumstance, it's a product of Easter. Easter proves that God can take what normally causes people to weep and turn it into what causes people to rejoice. Sin, death, and shame went into Jesus' tomb. Forgiveness, life, and joy came out. Our risen Savior gives us a joy that remains constant in the highest of life's highs and the lowest of life's lows. Because he lives, we have deep and lasting joy.
The world is full of talkers. There are plenty of people who say they care about you. But we are aware of what many of those people will do when it comes time to put those words into action. Jesus tells you in His Word that He cares for you dearly...that He would do anything for you...that He's leading you into the green pastures of paradise. How do you know you can trust Him? Simple. Jesus followed up His words with action. Jesus promised He would die to save you from your sin. He did. Scripture promised the Savior would rise from the dead, proving the payment for sins was complete. It happened. Jesus always does what he says. His every promise fullfiled. Jesus once illustrated that point in a striking metaphor, that of the Good Shepherd. All shepherds use words, calling to the sheep hoping they will follow. What sets the Good Shepherd apart is the fact that His words are followed by action, including His willingness to lay down His life for His sheep. Because He lives, we know Jesus is trustworthy and true.
