Populus Zion
"When these things begin to happen stand up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near." (St. Luke 21:25-36)
In the name of Jesus. Amen. Signs in the sun, the moon, the stars; on earth, the distress of nations, the seas roaring, all sounds like scary stuff. When even the powers of heaven shake, how can we not be afraid of that?
Jesus tells us to take comfort from the lesson of the fig tree: When the trees are already budding, you know that summer is near. So, when you see these things happen, take comfort for the kingdom of God is near.
When you see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, when you see God coming with great power and glory to rescue you, stand up and lift up your heads 'cause it's time! Your redemption is drawing near! Jesus is near!
On the Cross, the Son of Man won your salvation. He paid the price for your sins, for your unbelief, for your doubt, for all the times that you have lived as if the King wasn't coming back soon to take you from this veil of tears. His holy life and innocent suffering and death redeemed you. He rose and "advented" His redemption to you in Holy Baptism.
When Jesus comes again, look up! His return is the completion of your Baptism. In the font you were buried with Christ and raised to new life. His return is the bringing to fruition of what is already yours in Baptism--heaven, eternal life, and your redemption.
As you wait and watch, learn the lesson of the fig tree: When you see the Son of Man coming in the clouds, rejoice, for your redemption is near. Don't be afraid. It's already yours in Holy Baptism. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Your only-begotten Son that by His coming we may be given to serve You with cleansed minds; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever." (Collect for Populus Zion)
Daily Lectionary: Isa. 10:12-27a, 33-34; 2 Peter 1:1-21
Higher Things would like to thank the Rev. George F. Borghardt III (Assistant Pastor, St. Mark Lutheran Church, Conroe, TX) for writing this season's Reflections.
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