As we draw near to the end of the church year, Jesus’ words encourage us to meditate upon the end times. Before His crucifixion, Jesus taught His disciples: “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory” (Mark 13:24–26 ESV).

We join this world in its groaning and longing for rescue and rest. As we hear Jesus’ teaching about the Son of Man coming, we remember an earlier teaching of Jesus, that the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

And as we await His return, we also join our voices with all the saints in heaven and on earth, praising the Lamb who was slain and now reigns as Heaven’s King, the Son of Man who will soon return on the clouds. During November we experience increasing darkness and colder weather, but we also look forward to Thanksgiving, when we join family and friends in gratitude to God for all His goodness to us.

So until Christ returns, let us receive His mercy and grace in His Word and Sacraments. Let us study His Word and serve one another in His love and mercy. Let us join together in thanksgiving. In light of Jesus’ promised coming, let us work diligently in service to the Gospel as long as He gives us opportunity. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, until we see Him face to face. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

In Christ’s love,

Dr. Thomas J. Egger
President