November 17, 2024

Today's Reading: Mark 13:1-13

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 33:1-22; Jeremiah 34:1-36:32; 45:1-51:64; Matthew 27:11-32

And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. (Mark 13:5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

There is no shortage of people who have claimed to be the Messiah throughout history. A quick Wikipedia search will bring up over forty names of people who have claimed to be some kind of “messiah.” This is not a surprising thing. It is actually expected if we read the scriptures and take Jesus’ words seriously. He already has warned of this. People will come and they will make false claims, not only about being the messiah but about the end times as well.

Most recently, the Eclipse brought out all the conspiracy theories and doomsday preppers on places like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. It was flooded with calls to get right with God because the time is drawing near. Clearly, the signs tell us this. Maybe you rolled your eyes at the predictions. After all, Jesus makes it clear that no one knows the day or the hour of His return except for the Father. Or maybe you found yourself struck with fear. After all, wars, national disasters, persecution– all of those things sound scary. I, for one, can admit if I had the choice, I would rather not live through wars, natural disasters, and persecution. Yet, we ought not be afraid of the things to come. Instead, we stay vigilant, discerning against the voices proclaiming false truths and listening to the Voice of Truth. Listen to Jesus and what He has to say to you.

My mind goes to the Gospel of Saint John, where Jesus speaks to His disciples. Allow these words to speak to you who find yourself worried about what the future holds. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Christ continues to overcome the world, Christ continues to bring peace, Christ continues to give himself to you. So go where He promises to be, receive His Body and Blood, hear His Word preached, and be at peace; Jesus has overcome the world.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Lord, by your bountiful goodness release us from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon ourselves, that we may stand firm until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

-Rev. Caleb Weight, associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.