November 27, 2009 - Friday in the Last Week of the Church Year

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 1:1-28; 1 Peter 1:1-12

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:3-4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Do you like waiting for things? Probably not. It's no fun when the last day of school is such a long way off. Or that big date means waiting for a whole week to happen. Or that trip you're going to take next month during break. Our culture teaches us to want something now and to get it now.

When it comes to our salvation, there's “now” and there's “not yet.” Now, we know that Christ has died for us. Now, we are assured our sins are forgiven. Now, we are baptized. Now, we receive absolution. Now, we eat and drink the body and blood of Christ.

Not yet, but someday Christ will return. Not yet, but someday we will rise from the dead. Not yet, but on that day, we'll receive our inheritance: eternal life with Christ and His people forever and ever. Not yet, but on the Last Day there will be new heavens and a new earth.

An inheritance is a promise of something to come later. How do you know you have this inheritance? How do you know that it's all waiting to be given to you, prepared by your heavenly Father? St. Paul calls the Spirit given in Baptism the “down payment.” Are you baptized? Then you inherit eternal life and paradise and forever being with Christ.

The gloom of this life easily overshadows us. Trouble at school, fights with friends, a terrible job, and even worse things like divorce and sickness and death. They pile up and trouble us. But look up! Look ahead! The same Jesus who was nailed to the cross for your sins has gone ahead and prepared a place for you. He'll be back soon to make it all happen. And on that day, you'll receive such an inheritance of glory and splendor that your words and imagination can't even begin to describe it. All is paid for by the blood of Jesus and given freely to you by the Father. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Sing with all the saints in glory, Sing the resurrection song! Death and sorrow, earth's dark story, To the former days belong. All around the clouds are breaking; Soon the storms of time shall cease; In God's likeness we awaken, Knowing everlasting peace. (LSB 671:1)

Questions or comments regarding the Reflections may be sent to the Rev. Mark Buetow, Reflections Editor, reflections@higherthings.org.

---

---

Visit our website at www.higherthings.org to read Reflections online each day. Or sign up to receive daily Reflections in your e-mail Inbox by sending subscribing at: http://higherthings.org/reflections.html

Higher Things exists and grows on the basis of donations and free-will offerings from congregations and individuals. All donations are tax-deductible. If you wish to contribute to the work of Higher Things, Please send your donation to:

Higher Things, Inc.
P.O. Box 155
Holt, MO 64048

(Donations are also accepted at www.higherthings.org via credit card or PayPal on our support page.)