This Sunday is All Saints Sunday, the Sunday when we pause to remember those who have died in the faith, trusting in Jesus as Lord and Savior.  We give thanks that even though we may grieve the loss of loved-ones, we do not grieve as those who have no hope; our hope is in the resurrection to eternal life through Jesus our Lord and Savior.

The First Reading is taken from the Revelation to John, Revelation 7:(2-8) 9-17.  

Wow!  What a passage!  Here we have a glimpse into heaven.  Notice that there will be a great multitude that no one can number from all over the earth, all there giving thanks to God and shouting out: “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”  Yes, our salvation is in the Lord.  What a joy and blessed assurance to trust and know that through Christ we will have eternal life.  Let us continually trust the Lord today, tomorrow, and into eternity.

Notice also all the blessings the Lord will shower upon His redeemed people.  God is so gracious and awesome!

Holy God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, salvation belongs to You alone.  All glory, honor, thanks, and praise to You for redeeming us in Jesus!  Let us ever sing Your praises!  Amen.

This Sunday’s psalm, 149, is a psalm of praise to God.  Notice the joy and dancing in God’s presence!  Heaven will be filled with joy!  

The latter part of the psalm can be troubling for us, calling on God’s people to exact punishment on those who don’t follow the Lord; let us leave punishment of those who don’t believe up to the Lord; instead, let us be faithful to share the Gospel of Jesus with all so that the Holy Spirit can bring them to faith.

Hallelujah!  To You we sing songs of thanksgiving and praise!  Let songs of praise always flow forth from us, and through our witness to Jesus bring others to faith in Him.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

The Second Reading, 1 John 3:1-3, is part of a larger book where we are called to love the Lord and to love others.  As the apostle John reminds us, we love because God has first loved us, and the heavenly Father has made us His children by His grace.  Let us allow the Lord to make us more and more into the image of Jesus, let us love as He has first loved us.

Almighty God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Your love for us is more than we can fully comprehend.  Continue to fill us with love for You and for others, so that glory can be brought to Your Name.  Amen.

Today’s Gospel is recorded in Matthew, 5:1-12.  Notice those whom Jesus calls blessed.  Would the world call these people blessed?  Yet, Jesus says they are blessed.  How can this be?  They are blessed because they are in need of God, and God is faithful to be with those in need and meet their needs.  The apostle Paul realized this and so could write in 2 Corinthians that when he was weak, he was actually strong because his strength was in Christ.  Read Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.  Let us trust in the Lord to help us in our needs, He is faithful.

Lord, we are so much in need of You, we need the blessings You freely give us as life so often wears us down.  Keep our eyes fixed on You and the blessings You bring through Jesus.  Amen.