His Throne Shall Be Established Forever
Even as Christians, we like being the heroes of our own stories. We want to judge the evil, slay the wicked, and establish a kingdom that will last forever.
We are promised a kingdom that will last forever, but we are never told that we get to build it. We have been given a great king, and He has promised to judge us based not on what we have done for Him, but rather on what He has done for us.
Truly, this is wonderful news! We get to rely on His promise rather than on mankind – and that promise fulfilled is Jesus Christ.
Today’s sermon text from 2 Samuel 7,
Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” 3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 8 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. . . . 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me.
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Announcements
Christmas Services. Please note our schedule is different this year. We will hold an in-person Christmas Eve Service at 7 pm. On Christmas Day, we will only post a recording online. We will not meet on Christmas Day.
Our doors are open. We are holding the Divine Service again and it is a delight to see familiar faces. Please come prepared with a face mask or covering and new rules to follow. There will NOT be Sunday School but we will continue to hold the Divine Service at 11 am. You can read the full policy here. Another post covers the highlights.
Wednesday Bible Study – On Hiatus during Advent. We meet via Zoom at 7 pm and will resume in January.
Donations: Unfortunately the expenses go on. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday for mailing on Wednesday. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.
Prayer during a pandemic:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all that mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.