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26th Sunday after Pentecost • Year B
November 17, 2024 • Proper 28
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Historical Collect
Lord God, rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit, that while keeping the end of all things in mind, we may be stirred up to holiness in this life and come to be with you forever in that life to come. Grant this, we pray, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Swedish Psalm book, 1639)
Thematic Collect
Sovereign Lord, only through trust in your Son shall your people find salvation. Through all the trials and tragedies that assail us, strengthen our faith and keep us steadfast in lives that follow your Son; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
The Common Thread
Everyone takes a “dirt nap” sooner or later. Some will awaken to the joy of everlasting life; some will awaken to the nightmare of “shame and everlasting contempt.” The latter, because God was not their chosen portion in this life. The former, because he was their good and goodness, whom they followed in the “path of life.” God has not only written his law into our hearts and minds so that we may keep his ways, he has given his Christ as sacrifice for our sins, that they may no longer be remembered. He will save all who endure until the end through faith.
First Reading • Daniel 12:1-3
Life is tough and then you die, as some say, though with different wording. Yet greater troubles than we know presently await the world. Despite the conflict now or in the future, God's help and presence is guaranteed. Even those who sleep in the dust of death are remembered by God. For one day, all the sleeping dead will awaken. Those recorded in the book of life will arise to glory but others to everlasting shame.
Psalm • Psalm 16:1-11
Luther said that this Psalm was a prophecy about the Christ. If that is the case, it shows how God is with us, aiding us even in death. In the case of Christ, he did not even allow death to corrupt his body. May we, like Jesus, always set the Father before us, no matter the trial in life, knowing that we have no good, no resurrection, and no everlasting joy apart from him.
Second Reading • Hebrews 10:11-25
What will you give to the Lord for all that he has done for you? There is nothing you can add to the offering that Jesus made. That single, perfect offering perfects everyone who has holy faith in Christ. Since his perfect sacrifice is more than sufficient, there is nothing else that you can do but gladly receive his gift and call upon his name. (Psa 116:12-13)
Gospel • Mark 13:1-13
How odd some of the things are in which we place our admiration and trust. Art and architecture, health and wealth, politicians and pastors are a few of our favorite things. Yet they will all fail us sooner or later. It is better to trust in the word of God than all the wonders of the world. The things of this earth will crumble and die but the word of the Lord will last forever. (Isa 40:8) Even when friend, family, and country fail you, God's word will remain with you. The one who keeps his word until the end will be saved.
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
