Claimed, gathered and sent

Here are some thoughts on this coming Sunday's gospel sent to the people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church .  However, I will not be preaching. For the first time in many years, we'll be home with part of the family for Thanksgiving. Hope yours is a blessed one of wonderful time with family and friends with much to give thanks for. Gospel: John 18:33-37 33 Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”   34 Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”   35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?”   36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”   37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a ...

This is the message I preached on Sunday, 11/18 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church . The text was Mark 13:1-8 . There is a genre of films and books that are called apocalyptic. Inevitably, there is a disaster, whether it’s a virus unleashed upon the world or an alien invasion or some other horrific thing that wipes out half the population. But in the middle of the horror, there are the good and strong people that work together until an answer is found. The war is won.  Today’s reading from Mark falls somewhat into the range of apocalyptic literature. The present time is one of suffering because the people are faithful in the midst of an evil world. In the future, there are rewards for the patient and faithful righteous and eventual suffering for the unrighteous. Its purpose is to encourage faithfulness and patience in the present time.  Jesus leaves the temple for the final time. When the disciples see the temple in Jerusalem, they see permanence. Roman historian Taci...