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Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Speaking of the coming of the Last Day, Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring…” This all sounds like terrifying stuff. All of creation is groaning in eager expectation for the glorious returning of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the Last Day. We see the signs all around us even now. 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 they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that 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 because it's time! Your redemption is drawing near! Jesus is near!
That should be a cause of great joy for us. And yet, Jesus also tells us that “men’s hearts [will be] failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” And surely sinners have reason to tremble in fear at the coming of the Lord. We have ignored His commandments when we find it convenient to do so. We treat the forgiveness our Lord gives us as license to sin. So we live as though Jesus isn’t coming back. We live as if it doesn’t matter what we do. We live as we desire in the sin-impaired imaginations of our hearts. But in the silence of our hearts, we huddle in terror from the righteous Judge, because we know what we deserve for our sin. Repent. Turn away from the Old Adam who is comfortable in sin and carousing…for Jesus is coming. Stay watchful; be vigilant, so that you may rejoice when He appears.
The day is coming. We know the truth of it. It’s not just that we see the signs, though the signs are all around us. More than the signs, we hear the promise from our Lord Himself. “Surely I am coming quickly,” He tells us, and we trust in His Word; we believe His promises. 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 marked you with His redemption in the waters of Holy Baptism.
Christ is coming soon. When you see the signs, when you hear the promises, look up! His return is the completion of your Baptism. You were buried in the font with your Lord Jesus 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. For “God will shine forth; our God shall come!”
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. “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise [for you] with healing in His wings.” Do not be afraid. Your redemption and the healing of your body and soul already belongs to you in Holy Baptism. By the grace of God in the sinless sacrifice of the Lamb, you are counted worthy. In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus always. Amen.
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