Luther Seminary “Moved by the Promise ‘God Pause’” - Wednesday, 27 November 2013 – Romans 13

Luther Seminary “Moved by the Promise ‘God Pause’” - Wednesday, 27 November 2013 – Romans 13: An Urgent Appeal

11 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; 12 the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.(NRSV)

I recently purchased a watch that has a calendar function. Unfortunately, I have no idea how that function works. I bought the watch in haste, needing a time piece, not a calendar, and now I find myself annoyed that I never really know the correct date.

Many things in life seem to throw us off balance. Jobs are lost, people become ill, friends move away and we no longer feel confident about our world. We realize time is passing quickly, and some days we even catch a vision that a new day draws near. But we just seem to be struggling to grasp that hope. It is time for us to wake from our busyness and self-absorption. The day of Advent is arriving. Now comes the day to hold onto Christ Jesus for hope and guidance as we wait for all things to be made new. Now is the time to put aside the old and put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ, grant us grace to wear your loving mercy throughout all the days of our life so that when we rise from sleep on that last day, we will behold you face to face. Amen.

Rebecca Wegner

Pastor, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Brunswick, Maine

Master of Divinity , 1992

Romans 13:11 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers;

12 the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light;

13 let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy.

14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.(New American Standard Version)

-------

Luther Seminary

2481 Como Avenue

St. Paul, MN 55108 United States

(651)641-3456

-------