Sermon for Populus Zion, 2025

As men observe the signs of a creation groaning under its bondage to decay, Jesus tells us that people will see this shaking of the powers that be, along with the resultant distress of nations, and that, “their hearts will fail them from fear.” Beloved, this is the way it is for the world; those who don’t fear God must fear everything else: the political climate, acts of violence, the environment, the economy, one’s health, relationship and family issues, all of that becomes an obsession and a stress and a worry. When fear runs the show, then you are drawn—more and more—to try to find security in the things of this world. Yet such only leads, either to despair, or to the pursuit of pleasure, living to “eat, drink, and be merry, for what does it matter anyway?” 

Contrary to this mentality, Christ Jesus reminds you, “Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.” He tells you about the coming judgment and the destruction of the earth, not so that you will be terrified about it; He tells you so that you will learn not to become consumed and obsessed with what is passing away. God drives you to insecurity in yourself so that you will look only to Him for security; He drives you to despair of yourself so that you will look solely to His words for hope: that you might fear, love, and trust in Him over and above all things.

Readings:

• Old Testament: Malachi 4:1-6

• Epistle: Romans 15:4-13

• Holy Gospel: Luke 21:25-36

  
  

Sermon: