Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24 predates the British wartime slogan ‘Keep Calm And Carry On’, but the message is essentially the same. While the detail can be difficult to grasp it’s important to remember Jesus wants his disciples to trust that He will return, and that that return can occur at any time. As disciples today we carry on the ministry and mission Jesus entrusted to us ensured that he can return at any time, and that our efforts should reflect an expectation that He may.
Inspiration in our opening praise is from nature as we sing The Skies Above (Psalm 19) and As The Deer; then commence our worship with Rejoice The Lord Is King. Our prayer of approach and confession will express our tendency to look to the events of the world around us to motivate our obedience and service instead of the promises of the Bible. Our song of assurance will be Amazing Love (My Lord What Love Is This) We’ll confess our faith with The Apostles’ Creed and the doxology Worship, Honour, Glory, Blessing.
From God’s Word Jeremiah 13 continues to express pictures representative of the ruin which is God’s unfaithful people. We’ll affirm our hope of escaping that curse through our Lord Jesus atoning death singing O To See The Dawn (The Power Of The Cross).
Matthew 24:29-51 continues what is known as the Olivet discourse. Jesus answers to the disciples’ questions about the destruction of the temple and the timing of His return is complex, remembering that what He intended was to enable the disciples to carry out their mission without being misled, doubtful or complacent is the key to our interpretation. At the point after Jesus’ death and resurrection that the Gospels were written and as they were collected the church has found tremendous encouragement and security in His answers.
Ian Touzel will lead us in our pastoral prayers, after which we’ll give our tithes and offerings. Then our worship will conclude with the tremendous hymn of testimony When Peace Like A River (It Is Well With My Soul).
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