und Lehrtext für Freitag, den 19. Oktober 2012

Today’s reading is very close to our synodical theme for December: “Der Tag des HERRN kommt und ist nahe.” (Joel 2,1) This is such a encouraging promise and comforting pledge! It makes the lovely day even brighter and changes the gloomy one into brightness too. The cross becomes lighter to bear, the harrowing troubles and concerns seem to weigh less and hope and joy floods the heart. So we can join the singing and confessing: “All is well with my soul” – because Jesus is near. In his presence and with him – I fear no ill. I lift up my face and look forward to seeing him. Now already he takes care of his church, his people, his pastors, teachers and bishops, his followers big and small, far and wide, in every diocese, congregation, house and even shack – he blesses and keeps us in the true faith for his names sake, he lifts up his countenance upon us and is gracious unto us, he lets his light shine upon us and gives us peace + Because his day is close and his coming imminent, we don’t give up, but persevere by his grace and mercy which is new every morning. We lift up our drooping heads and look forward to his coming. He’s coming to save, relieve, heal us and finally to carry us home. What a joyful prospect! Thank God for it.

Until then we take his admonition to heart: Christus spricht: Wachet und betet, dass ihr nicht in Versuchung fallt! Der Geist ist willig; aber das Fleisch ist schwach. (Markus 14,38)

Lord have mercy – Christ have mercy – Lord have mercy +