Readings

Old Testament: Leviticus 16:20-34
Psalm 62
Gospel: Matt. 6:7-15
New Testament: 1 Thess. 5:1-11

Devotional
In strange times like this, it is totally understandable that people would talk about the end of the world. Things are so new, different, scary, uncertain... there is a sense in which it is the end of A world, at least for awhile. Our old worlds have shrunk considerably, to the house we live in and the people we live with. And we start to realize that even that house, even those people and our relationships with them, only really fit together in the context of a world where we didn't have to be there all the time. So I understand the suspicion that its the end of the world.

You are important to God, and he loves you and knows you better than you know yourself. But. But. But part of the reason we move from "my life is changing dramatically" to "its the end of the world" is because we overestimate our importance to the world, and to God's actions within it. And we are inclined to think then that God's care for us is only expressed in the circumstances of this world.

So many of our readings today encourage us to take a deep breath and relax: because we are just not that important. God's plans and purposes are accomplished in history despite the constant "ending of the world." His care and concern for you is not contingent on this iteration of the world lasting forever (Psalm 62:2). Being oppressed in this world doesn't change his love for you (62:10); riches have nothing to do with it. "People of low degree are just a breath, and men of high degree are a lie. They are together lighter than a breath." (WOW).

So we do what 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 encourages us to do. We keep calm, and live sober, steadfast, holy lives. Because God cares for us and loves us... His World is not ending, even when this version of it seems like it is.

Hymn
A Mighty Fortress is Our God

Prayer
Pray Psalm 61 aloud.