Honoring Christ the King

On Sunday, November 22,  we celebrate the last Sunday after Pentecost, commonly called "Christ the King" Sunday. Our readings include: Daniel 7:9-14, Psalm 93, Revelation 1:1-8, and John 18:33-37.

 

Daniel records another of his magnificent visions, this one of God, the "Ancient of Days" seated upon his throne as the court sits in judgment and the books are opened. One "like a son of Man" is given dominion and glory and a kingdom – and authority over all people. This is understood to be Jesus, Christ the King who rules over all. In the reading from John Pilate asks Jesus, "So, you are a king?" Jesus declares that his kingdom is not of this world, but he does not negate the fact that he is a king.

 

What does it mean to live our entire life under the authority of a king – THE KING? Most of us have no experience, outside of stories, with kings. I was once asked what metaphor we could use rather than using the "king metaphor" since it has so little meaning for Americans. After considerable thought and prayer, I replied that there was no substitute, as Jesus' kingship is not a metaphor, but a reality.

 

On Sunday we will be thinking about what it means to have Jesus be king over all parts of our life, and in particular those parts related to the giving of our selves – all that we have and all that we are- for his use and purposes. Jesus comes to us offering God's grace as he stands in our place at the time of judgment, and his grace is freely given, but it is not cheap.

 

See you Sunday!

 

In Christ,

 

Becki+

 

The Rev. Becki Neumann+
Rector, South Riding Anglican Church
Office 703 961 1983
Cell 240-217-4370
Home 717-762-0924

Let's Explore Predictions of the Coming End

The readings for Sunday, November 15^th include: Daniel 12:1-13, Psalm 16, Hebrews 10 31-39, and Mark 13:14-23.

Most of us, throughout our adult life times, have heard dire predictions of the coming of the end of the world. And, we have lived to see them move from blazing headlines to forgotten falsehoods. That said, the scriptures do make it clear that there will be a time when the world will undergo a major change, and life as we currently experience it will no longer exist.

 

In Sunday's readings we hear about the end of time as we know it, about the desecration of the Temple, about events that are frightening to many. These readings raise questions. How literally are we to take these predictions? When might they occur? Will I be alive? Will I suffer as a result of the coming of the end? What about the current prediction that the world will end on December 21, 2012?

 

On Sunday I will explore what these predictions might mean for the future, and more importantly, what they mean for us today. I'm praying you'll be with us for worship as we gather in the name of the only person to whom time itself bends the knee – Jesus our Lord.

 

See you Sunday,

 

Becki+