Theme of the Day: The First Will Be Last; The Last Will Be First
When it comes to the difficult and uncomfortable topic of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell, it is natural to want to avoid the issue. One way we do that is to direct our attention to theoretical questions. “What is heaven like?” “How old will we be there?” Today, someone asks Jesus, “Lord, are only a few going to be saved?” Jesus brushes these questions aside. Instead, he answers the question we should be asking. Rather than talking about how many will be saved, Jesus explains how to be among the saved. What he teaches today through his Word is a hard truth. The doorway into heaven is narrow. Scripture consistently teaches that those individuals who are certain they will be first through that door are more likely to be last, if they make it through at all. Instead, the one who believes he is the last one God should let into his kingdom and that his only chance of getting in is through the grace of Christ will enter first.
Luke 13:22-30
Isaiah 66:18-24
Hebrews 12:18-24
Psalm 103
491 – Come, You Thankful People, Come
698 – Seek Where You May to Find a Way
890 – Jerusalem the Golden
787 – God, Who Made the Earth and Heaven
487 – Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending
Prayer of the Day: Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift of grace that we come into your presence and offer true and faithful service. Grant that our worship on earth may always be pleasing to you, and in the life to come give us the fulfillment of what you have promised; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Alleluia.