Thy Kingdom Come

 

Image of Christ from the the great Deesis mosaic 

from the Upper South Gallery in Hagia Sophia, 

the Church of Holy Wisdom, in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey).

Somehow the annual observance of Christ the King Sunday gets overshadowed by our national celebration of Thanksgiving. Don't hear what I'm not saying. It is right that we should give God our thanks and praise. Thanksgiving is a great holiday . . . one for which I am thankful. Oh that we wouldn't exile gratitude to the island of one day in 365. Maybe we could let thanksgiving infect the rest of our lives. Maybe it could catch on as an attitude that pervades and informs our everyday life. It's gotta be about more than eating too much turkey and falling asleep in front of the TV broadcasting live from the Packers and the Lions football faceoff or "timely" reruns of Ralphie's longing for a Red Rider B.B. gun in 1983's A Christmas Story.

Now, back on track, let's consider that this coming Sunday is the last Sunday of the Church Year. On it we confess that Christ is King. Have you ever taken the time to contemplate the implications, the ramifications, the tectonic scope of this simple three-word claim? It is a rather bold declaration, don't you think? 

   

One of the earliest confessions of faith in the Church was Jesus is Lord.  We hear and say that today so casually. Yet it was (and is) a monumental statement. The major implication of saying Jesus is Lord is Caesar is not. 

Christ the King Sunday is a day to celebrate the Lordship of Jesus and also a fitting opportunity for us to inventory our allegiances. What/who is in first position in our lives? Clarity on this matter will free us to grow, repent, believe, and live!

Over the next couple of days, take a few moments to read and meditate on the various scriptural passages (listed below) assigned to Christ the King Sunday. Forward this post to a friend or family member, please. And finally, pray for the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit in our life together.

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Christ the King

November 24, 2013

Prayer of the Day

Almighty God our Father, 

your generous goodness comes to us new every day. 

By the work of your Spirit 

lead us to acknowledge your goodness, 

give thanks for your benefits, 

and serve you in willing obedience, 

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 

Readings

Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Psalm 100

Philippians 4:4-9

John 6:25-35 

 

Christ Crowned with Thorns, Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1510 


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Click on the link (upper right part of this page) to the Saint Luke Lutheran Church website for updated information regarding the Living Fully and Dying Well series on Sunday Mornings at 8:45.

 http://www.saintlukechambersburg.org/2013/11/20/living-fully-dying-well/