(Jer.33:14-16; Ps.25:4-5,8-10,14; 1Thes.3:12-4:2; Lk.21:25-28,34-36) "You are God my savior, and for you I wait all the day." So does David sing of the "just shoot" that will be raised up after him; so does he anticipate the coming of Jesus into our midst. But, though the Messiah has been born, though He has come among us now, yet the Lord will not "fulfill the promise [He] made to the house of Israel and Judah" until Jesus returns on the last day. And so, we too await our Savior. And how should we wait? Brothers and sisters, you know "how you should conduct yourselves to please God," to be found "blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones." You have been guided in His truth and instructed by the one who "teaches the humble His way." "The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and His covenant, for their instruction." And you fear Him, and so receive His instruction. Continue to do so. Continue to "increase and abound in love for one another." Let not the sum of your good works diminish in the least, but "strengthen your hearts," and what you have been doing for Him, "do so even more." Until the Day He comes your justice must increase. And "what is coming upon the world" you know as well. The end of the world is upon us and has been since Christ's crucifixion. All is passing away and shall soon be no more. The nations will look, but they will not see the things they trusted in so vainly. Only "the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" will be known; He will be all that is seen. And will you recognize Him? And will He recognize you? Brothers and sisters, with the Lord's own words I will leave you: "Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man." Wait expectantly. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "Salvation Army" from Bearing the Birth Pangs, tenth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, in your justice make us blameless in holiness for the return of your Son in glory. YHWH, help us to increase and abound in love even as we await the return of your Son. Though His coming be with great tribulation, let us not fear but welcome Him with open arms and heads raised to His glory. Jesus is the just shoot you have raised up for the House of Israel; He is the fulfillment of your promise to all who strive toward you. He has come and made Himself known with signs and wonders. He has walked among us to show us the way to you. Let us follow Him in humility, LORD, and we shall reign with Him on the last day. Guide us in your truth, O LORD; teach us your way. Let us remain constant on the path that leads to you, conducting ourselves as has your Son. His apostles exhort us to remain faithful at all times, to be vigilant and pray. His love will indeed increase within us, rising unto glory on the Day of judgment, if we do not turn away from His call, from His kindness upon our souls. Soon shall come the end, O LORD; let us indeed be found ready and waiting.