This Sunday’s readings proclaim God’s promise and steadfast love in times of severe stress and hardship. We hear, for instance, these words from Jesus, “do not be alarmed,” and from Psalm 16, “You show me the path of life.” I’m glad to carry assurances like these with me this week.
The reading from Daniel also reminded me of something I learned from my dissertation on Bugenhagen’s 1550 Jonah Commentary: the reformers called Christ “our Michael,” because he defends and protects God's people. Of course, the reformers were glad to accept heavenly assistance from angels, too!
Finally, it's great to see the line from Hebrews 10:24, “let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.” I love how this passage so closely connects the confidence that comes from faith with good deeds and mutual encouragement, especially in challenging circumstances.
Whatever is happening around us, the One who makes these promises to us is faithful. Shine on!
Daniel 12:1-3, Psalm 16, Hebrews 10:11-25, Mark 13:1-8 (Lectionary 33b)
Brokenness
“Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down” (Mark 13:1)
“Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows” (Psalm 16:4)
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs” (Mark 13:8)
“There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence” (Daniel 12:1)
Grace
“Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge” (Psalm 16:1)
“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14)
“When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed” (Mark 13:7)
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage” (Psalm 16:6)
Love
“And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24)
Encouragement
“You show me the path of life” (Psalm 16:11)
“Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23)
“At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise” (Daniel 12:1)
“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3)
The reading from Daniel also reminded me of something I learned from my dissertation on Bugenhagen’s 1550 Jonah Commentary: the reformers called Christ “our Michael,” because he defends and protects God's people. Of course, the reformers were glad to accept heavenly assistance from angels, too!
Finally, it's great to see the line from Hebrews 10:24, “let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.” I love how this passage so closely connects the confidence that comes from faith with good deeds and mutual encouragement, especially in challenging circumstances.
Whatever is happening around us, the One who makes these promises to us is faithful. Shine on!
Daniel 12:1-3, Psalm 16, Hebrews 10:11-25, Mark 13:1-8 (Lectionary 33b)
Brokenness
“Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down” (Mark 13:1)
“Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows” (Psalm 16:4)
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs” (Mark 13:8)
“There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence” (Daniel 12:1)
Grace
“Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge” (Psalm 16:1)
“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14)
“When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed” (Mark 13:7)
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage” (Psalm 16:6)
Love
“And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24)
Encouragement
“You show me the path of life” (Psalm 16:11)
“Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23)
“At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise” (Daniel 12:1)
“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3)