When you know that your death is approaching, you try to put your affairs in order for the sake of others. When you know that the second coming of Christ is approaching, what is the appropriate response? We are not to be sedentary. Jesus has not yet returned because there is still work to be done. And Jesus carries out his good work through us. So until he comes again and says, “Stop!” we will be busy with faithful service. It’s the beginning of the end, and we use our gifts and talents in an orderly way for God’s glory. 

When we gather for public worship we call it a service – even Divine Service. Do you know why? Many think of what we do on Sunday mornings as coming together mainly to worship and praise God. We gather in service of the divine. It’s about our service to him. However, while that is certainly one aspect of what we do in worship, it’s not the primary purpose of our gatherings. The main service that happens every Sunday morning actually goes in the other direction – from God to us. This remarkable truth completely changes the way we view “going to church” on Sunday. God himself invites sinners like us to come into his house to enjoy nothing less than divine hospitality. Every single Sunday our Savior stoops down and rolls up his sleeves to serve us. In word and sacrament he washes us in his forgiveness and feeds us with a spiritual feast for our souls. He reminds us of his great love for us, renews our hope, and provides us with the peace that goes beyond understanding. Worship is where Christ serves us.