Is today the day? Every cloud brings with it the possibility that our Lord will have chosen it to be the one upon which He descends in judgment. Every Christian should be in constant expectation that our Lord is going to break upon us at any and every moment. The reminders of this truth are everywhere. False teachers roam around like locusts devouring everything in their path. The earth is constantly rocking and shaking. It seems like we never get a rest from war because someone is always trying to stir up something to gain a profit. What does all this mean? It means that we should constantly be prepared, constantly at the ready for Jesus to come in all His glory and power to gather all of His beloved people and bring an end to this age of sin and death. But being ready doesn’t mean trying to calculate the day. It means guarding yourself against temptation. It means fleeing earthly pleasures and setting our minds on things above. It means hearing the Word of God and praying without ceasing so that we aren’t led astray or distracted or deceived. To be ready is to be gathered around those means which our coming Judge has appointed to strengthen and protect and preserve us from the devil, the world, and our flesh. Indeed, what is the Divine Service except a mini day of judgement whereby Christ condemns our sins and then pours out His forgiveness upon us so that when the final day of judgment arises, rather than being filled with fear and anxiety we are filled with joy and eager expectation. I look forward to seeing all of you this coming Lord’s Day as we gather around the Lord Jesus who comes now with healing in His wings so that we may be prepared to receive Him with joy when He comes in glory.
Pastor Ulmer