November 23, 2008 Sermon
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Proper 29 - A (Last Pentecost)
November 23, 2008 Emmanuel, San Angelo
Today we bring the Christian year to a close. Next Sunday is the beginning of Advent. We call this "Christ the King Sunday." On this day we the focus all our attention on Jesus Christ who reigns as King over all:
"Crown him with many crowns, the lamb upon his throne;
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee,
And hail him as thy matchless king for all eternity."
(Hymn 494)
This is the final Sunday of the church year. Next week
begins our New Year. We end this year with a new
bishop-elect. We end the year with hopes and dreams, even though Lord
only knows where any of us will be in a year from now. [At 10:30: We
are ending the year by bringing a new child into the Christian Family
through Baptism.]
A lot has happened over this past year...but rather than dwell on things of the past, today’s service points us to the future. All three readings are what we call "visionary." They provide us with a vision, a glimpse into what people in the past have said about the future. We are the future for those who have lived before; just as we will be ancient history to those who will some day come after us. Ezekiel and Matthew saw in the future the judgment of God, where, like a shepherd God will protect his flock and separate the good from the bad. What are the criteria for being a part of God's kingdom? For Matthew it is faith, trust, and reverence for God, and service to others. The example we are given is Jesus, telling us to roll up our sleeves and confront the problems of this world head on. As followers of the Christ we are to tackle the problems of poverty, oppression, and injustice. Instead of retreating from the world we are to make the world a better place for those who come after us. The point is not about "Salvation," or "being right with God". There is never anything we can do to earn "salvation". No one is ever worthy of salvation. But as Paul says in his wonderful prayer in Ephesians we are beneficiaries of riches and inheritance beyond anything this world can give. In Christ we are made one with God.
"God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1: 20-23)
Once we leave here today, Christ the King Sunday will quickly fade away, as we get ready for Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas shopping, parties, etc. But take with you the fact that God's kingdom is far beyond anything we can ever create. As you come to Communion, watch and listen to the voice of your heart which calls us to reexamine our priorities. Remember that there is a place within each of us that longs to be filled, not with stuff, but with the one who would be, and is, King and Sovereign of our lives. Christ is King, and we are his subjects. We are born into this kingdom by water and the spirit:
"Come, enter and possess the kingdom that has been ready for you since the world was made."
To God be the glory.
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Revised: 12/01/08