Lessons for November 18, 2007 – Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

The first lesson

Malachi 4:1-2
 
    The Lord Almighty says, "The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. The arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw on that day. They will be consumed like a tree—roots and all.  [2] "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.  (NLT)

Psalm 98 

L.  Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds.
C.  He has won a mighty victory by his power and holiness. 
L.  The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation! 
C.  He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel.
L.  The whole earth has seen the salvation of our God.
C.  Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! 
L.  Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp,
C.  with the harp and melodious song, 
L.  with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn.
C.  Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!
L.  Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
C.  Let the earth and all living things join in. 
L.  Let the rivers clap their hands in glee!
C.  Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord.
L.  For the Lord is coming to judge the earth.
C.  He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness.  (NLT)

The second lesson

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
 
    And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command with the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from any Christian who lives in idleness and doesn't follow the tradition of hard work we gave you. [7] For you know that you ought to follow our example. We were never lazy when we were with you. [8] We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so that we would not be a burden to any of you. [9] It wasn't that we didn't have the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. [10] Even while we were with you, we gave you this rule: "Whoever does not work should not eat." [11] Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and wasting time meddling in other people's business. [12] In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we appeal to such people—no, we command them: Settle down and get to work. Earn your own living. [13] And I say to the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.  (NLT)

The Gospel Lesson

Luke 21:5-19
 
    Some of his disciples began talking about the beautiful stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, [6] "The time is coming when all these things will be so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of another." [7] "Teacher," they asked, "when will all this take place? And will there be any sign ahead of time?" [8] He replied, "Don't let anyone mislead you. For many will come in my name, claiming to be the Messiah and saying, 'The time has come!' But don't believe them. [9] And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don't panic. Yes, these things must come, but the end won't follow immediately." [10] Then he added, "Nations and kingdoms will proclaim war against each other. [11] There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and epidemics in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs in the heavens. [12] "But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will be accused before kings and governors of being my followers. [13] This will be your opportunity to tell them about me. [14] So don't worry about how to answer the charges against you, [15] for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply! [16] Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. And some of you will be killed. [17] And everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish! [19] By standing firm, you will win your souls. (NLT)