Theme of the Day: He Lives to Give Me Eager Expectation of Glory
The Church waits. The Church in Jerusalem waited for ten days between Christ’s ascension and the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. The Church today waits through the millennia between Pentecost and Christ’s second coming. We are waiting for the gifts that Jesus promised. We live in eager expectation of glory!
That glory is not dimmed by earthly suffering. Rather, our current sufferings only remind us of the glory that awaits us. We are simply following in Christ’s footsteps. First comes the cross, and then comes the crown. Knowing what is coming lets us view our current troubles are light and momentary. They cannot mute the joy of living in eager expectation of glory.
While we wait in the time between Christ’s ascension and return, we live knowing that we will suffer persecution for our faith in Christ, but God will work it for glory.
John 17:1-11a
Acts 1:12-26
1 Peter 4:12-17; 5:6-11
Psalm 124
827 – Rejoice, My Heart, Be Glad and Sing
446 – Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense
531 – The Head that Once Was Crowned
797 – I Know My Faith Is Founded
867 – Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, your Son our Savior was taken up in glory and intercedes for us at your right hand. Through your living and abiding Word, give us hearts to know him and faith to follow where he has gone; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Alleluia.