The Lutheran Order of Service for the 2nd Last Sunday in the Church Year is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s Word from the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew in the 25th chapter verses 31-46: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him…” This sermon was written by Rev. M.N.Mntambo (Arcadia, GP) in isiZulu (wz1556151115 n. Tr. 26) and translated as usual by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN) into seTswana (wt1556151115 n. Tr. 26).
The readings for the 2nd Last Sunday in the Church Year are:
- Old Testament: Jeremiah 8:4-7
- The Epistle: Romans 8:18-23
- The Gospel: St. Matthew 25:31-46
- Psalm: 50:2-4.6
The liturgical colour is green.
The hymn for this week is:
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The day is surely drawing near When God’s Son, the Anointed, Shall with great majesty appear As Judge of all appointed. All mirth and laughter then shall cease When flames on flames will still increase, As Scripture truly teacheth.
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A trumpet loud shall then resound And all the earth be shaken. Then all who in their graves are found Shall from their sleep awaken; But all that live shall in that hour By the Almighty’s boundless pow’r Be changed at His commanding.
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A book is opened then to all, A record truly telling What each hath done, both great and small, When he on earth was dwelling; And ev’ry heart be clearly seen, And all be known as they have been In tho’ts and words and actions.
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Then woe to those who scorned the Lord And sought but carnal pleasures, Who here despised His precious Word And loved their earthly treasures! With shame and trembling they will stand And at the Judge’s stern command To Satan be delivered.
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O Jesus, who my debt didst pay And for my sin wast smitten, Within the Book of Life, oh, may My name be also written! I will not doubt; I trust in Thee, From Satan Thou hast made me free And from all condemnation.
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Therefore my Intercessor be And for Thy blood and merit Declare my name from judgment free With all who life inherit, That I may see Thee face to face With all Thy saints in that blest place Which Thou for us hast purchased.
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O Jesus Christ, do not delay, But hasten our salvation; We often tremble on our way In fear and tribulation. Then hear us when we cry to Thee; Come, mighty Judge, and make us free From every evil! Amen.
Hymn 611 The Lutheran Hymnal (Text: Luke 21:25-36) Author: Bartholomäus Ringwaldt, 1586, translated by: Philip A. Peter, 1880, alt. titled: “Es ist gewisslich an der Zeit”
May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for the 2nd Last Sunday in the Church Year: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. (2Co 5:10)
And we pray with a collect for this Sunday: O Lord, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of the end of all things and the day of Your just judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of living here and dwell with You forever hereafter; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit one God now and forever. Amen.
If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, wisdom, knowledge and insight – and the true words and pictures to preach his holy will faithfully according to his most precious revelation of his will and promises in both the Old and New Testament! However if you are not preaching, but listening – then listen as if God is talking to you + His precious gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Rom 1:16 NIV)
We thank the Lutheran Heritage Foundation for supporting the distribution of hard-copies of these orders of worship and sermons throughout Southern Africa. If you also want a copy please do not hesitate to subscribe by writing to EAWWeber@bundunet.co.za
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