“And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives up to the point of death” (Rev. 12:11 – Introit for All Saints Day)
In the name of Jesus. Amen. His saints are his holy ones – the ones who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. His saints bear His name, put on them in Holy Baptism. His saints are those who hear His Words. His saints eat and drink the Body and Blood of the Son of God crucified for the sins of the world.
His Saints are the poor in spirit. His saints are those who mourn their sins. His saints are the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. His saints are the merciful, who receive mercy from their heavenly Father. His saints are the pure at heart, who see God. His saints are the peacemakers, who are called the “sons of God.” His saints are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
His Saints aren’t more holy than you and me. His saints aren’t made of better stuff that you are either. His saints are His sinners, whose sins have been forgiven in Christ Jesus.
His saints have salvation which rests not on them, but on what Christ did for them on the Cross and delivered to them in the water, the Word, and His Body and Blood given for them to eat and drink. His saints fear the Lord and lack nothing.
His saints don’t go on and on about themselves. His saints confess only Christ crucified for them.
His saints are like just like you and me. His saints are all those who fell asleep in the Faith of Jesus, whose works follow them. You are His Saints. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
“O almighty God, who has knit together Your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, grant us grace so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that we may come to those unspeakable joys that you have prepared for those who unfeignedly love You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God world without end. Amen.” (Collect for All Saints Day)
Higher Things Reflections are written by Rev. George F. Borghardt III, Assistant Pastor at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Conroe, TX.