TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 28)
November 13, 2022
AS WE GATHER
“Behold, the day is coming,” warns the prophet Malachi. He speaks of the Last Day of the judgment of all mankind. If that were the only “day of the Lord,” we would be hopeless. But there are many days of the Lord, days that proclaim our salvation and deliverance from judgment—Christmas Day, Transfiguration Day, Good Friday, Easter Day, and the day His deliverance became your own in your Holy Baptism! Because of the earthly days of Jesus Christ, now all our days, indeed, today “is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
“The day is surely drawing near When Jesus, God’s anointed, in all His power shall appear as judge whom God appointed” (LSB 508). But the day has already come when we can draw near to Jesus, that by the forgiveness of our sins and by faith in His blood, He holds us safely and already now places us on the right side of Judgment Day.
Bible Readings
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Malachi 4:1-6
(The Day of Judgment preceded by the Day of Grace.)
EPISTLE READING: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
(The fellowship of love and steadfast hope)
HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 21:5-28
(Joyous assurance in the coming Kingdom)