Saints Triumphant Sunday (Revelation 19:1-9)

The Third Sunday of End Times, November 15, 2020

Readings for this week:

First Lesson: Ezekiel 37:15-28:  Earthly troubles are temporary.  The triumph that’s coming won’t be temporary.  It will be a kingdom without divisions caused by sin. 

Second Lesson and Sermon Passage:  Revelation 19:1-9:  Saint John lets us see what we watch for:  the consummation of the marriage of Christ and his Church.  Keep us watchful for our coming triumph!

Verse of the Day:  Revelation 7:15:  Alleluia.  They are in front of the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple.  Alleluia.

Gospel:  Matthew 25:1-13:  Jesus pictures the time before his return as virgins waiting for a bridegroom and the start of a wedding feast.  Jesus central instruction in this parable calls for the waiting Church to be the watchful Church.  Keep watch, for you do not know the day or the hour!

Sermon:  Revelation 19:1-9:  Are You Ready for the Wedding?

Are you ready?  There is no reason to doubt at all that you are part of the bride of Christ because it’s not dependent on yourself, but because God sent his Son to pay for your sins and sent you the Holy Spirit to believe that. 

How true and comforting are the words of the angel, “Blessed are they who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.” 

Are you ready for the wedding?  There is no doubt that all who trust not in what they have done but only in what Jesus has done for them are ready. 

Let there be no hesitation in your voice as you answer the question:  Yes, I am ready because Jesus has declared me innocent and holy, a saint who has been invited by His grace.”

Amen

Pastor Ron Koehler