October 6, 2024

Today's Reading: Mark 10:2-16

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 5:22-6:9; Matthew 9:1-17

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. (Mark 10:15)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Children, especially the littlest children, are completely dependent. Adam and Eve were created perfect… and the gift of children that came by Holy Matrimony was not just a promise of a future for all mankind but was given as a joy and a gift that revealed to man just how God graciously takes care of us in all our dependency.

Adam and Eve needed God to provide everything… and they loved their dependence. This didn’t mean they just sat around and did nothing, though… there was plenty for them to do for each other. Adam cared for Eve, taught her, and was overjoyed to love his wife. Eve was served by Adam, and she loved to serve her husband… and that’s what’s wonderful about what Jesus teaches the Pharisees and us in our text. The Pharisees weren’t arguing about who was the greatest just to be seen as the best… they sought to ‘be served’ by those who were not as great as them. Jesus teaches us and them that they’re not the greatest because of their high stature, their law-abiding, or anything that they do at all. The greatest is like a little itty bitty baby who’s dependent on mom and dad for EVERYTHING! The greatest is the servant, as Jesus makes clear in Matthew 23:11. The One who receives the Kingdom of God is like Adam and Eve before the Fall– totally dependent on God for all things.

The person who will enter heaven is the person who is given the kingdom like a little needy child. That’s the person Jesus says “receives the kingdom of God…” That’s who Jesus (who, though He was God, became the servant of all) says enters heaven… the needy children who’ve been given everything. Receiving the Kingdom of God, receiving Jesus is simply this… He does everything for us… gives all that is His to us, forgives us, and He does so by means of water, bread, wine, body, blood, and the word in the Divine Service, and the Holy Spirit brings us there and gives us the faith of a little child… faith that says, “Amen, amen it is so!” Christ my Lord abides with me. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Merciful Father, Your patience and loving-kindness toward us have no end. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we may always think and do those things that are pleasing in Your sight; through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

-Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

October 5, 2024

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 20 - Psalm 127:3-5; antiphon: Psalm 127:1a

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Matthew 8:18-34

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame” (Psalm 127:3-5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Every year, someone releases a list of words and phrases that should be banished. One phrase that has not yet appeared on that list, but probably should, is, “Children should be seen and not heard.” That little gem of a saying makes children seem like some kind of burden that society must endure. It is difficult enough to be young; the last thing needed is for the young not to be valued. Even parenthood suffers in our time. Pregnancy is treated like an illness or disability, motherhood is looked down upon, and fathers are depicted as inept in popular culture. At times, it seems that family life in general is under attack.

This is nothing new. Children were not universally valued in the ancient world. They were not even considered people unless their father accepted them. In fact, infant exposure was common, and unwanted children were left outside to die. In contrast, the ancient Israelites highly valued their children. Having children meant that God’s covenant still stood. Children mean that God was going to fulfill His promises. Children meant that the future of God’s people was assured. Motherhood was something to aspire to, and fatherhood was to be respected. So great was the desire for children that to not have children was considered a punishment. Neither the Israelites nor the early Christians practiced infant exposure. God’s people have always had a different approach to children and family life than whatever culture they found themselves living in.

This means that you are already a blessing just by existing. You are not a burden, a bother, or something that is in the way. You are a heritage from the Lord; you are a reward. You are an arrow in your parents’ quiver. You are the fulfillment of a promise. Your future as one of God’s people is assured. The promises that are for your parents are also for you. The death of Jesus on the cross was for your parents, and it was for you. Now, you are an arrow, but in the future, you may have your own quiver full of arrows, and the promises of God that are for you will be for your children. Now, you are a blessing, and in the future, you will be blessed. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

In Christian homes, Lord, let them be Your blessing to their family; Let Christian schools Your work extend In living truth as You intend. (LSB 866:2)

-Rev. Grant Knepper, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church Modesto, California.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

October 4, 2024

Today's Reading: Matthew 8:1-17

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 4:21-40; Matthew 8:1-17

“That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.’” (Matthew 8:16-17)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. What if your health was an indication of your spiritual status? This was the general belief in the time of Jesus. If you were sick, it was most likely the direct result of a particular sin. Certain illnesses were even believed to put you outside the realm of salvation entirely. Leprosy was that kind of illness. Lepers could not be part of public society in any way. They were supposed to stay away from healers, and no one could touch a leper. Jesus not only heals the leper, but He touches him. Anyone witnessing this event would have been left with questions about the identity of Jesus.

What about ethnic identity? The Jews were God’s people, and the Gentiles were not. Next, Jesus meets with a Roman Centurion. This, too, was a person considered to be outside the realm of salvation. Again, Jesus does the unexpected and agrees to come to the centurion’s house and heal his servant. Jews simply did not go into Gentile dwellings. The Centurion lets Jesus know that His word is sufficient, and Jesus praises him for his faith. Again, this leaves those who were there with questions about the identity of Jesus. Jesus then heals Simon’s mother-in-law, a normal Jewish woman. He goes from the surprising, even shocking, to the mundane. Again, Jesus' actions naturally lead to questions about His identity.

Then, that evening, He casts out demons from many who were oppressed and heals all who were sick, and we finally are given the context to understand what Jesus has been doing and who He is. Jesus is the suffering servant mentioned by Isaiah. What Jesus is doing here is tied to the salvation of Israel and the ingathering of the Gentiles. What Jesus is doing here has to do with His mission as Messiah. In healing illness and casting out demons, He is showing that in Him, the redemption of Israel has arrived. In Him is the forgiveness of sins. In Him is the salvation of the whole world. There is nothing that lies outside of the realm of the salvation that Jesus brings. You are in the realm of Jesus’ salvation. No illness or ethnic identity is a barrier to the cross. Jesus has taken your illnesses and bore your diseases. You are free to rise up and serve Him. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God loved the world so that He gave His only Son the lost to save, That all who would in Him believe Should everlasting life receive. (LSB 571:1)

-Rev. Grant Knepper, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church Modesto, California.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

October 3, 2024

Today's Reading: Catechism - Table of duties: To Husbands

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 4:1-20; Matthew 7:13-29

“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Table of duties: To Husbands may seem like a strange topic for a devotion where almost no one in the intended audience is a husband yet, and half of the intended audience will never be one. Despite this, there is more than enough here for everybody, regardless of sex or marital status. Young men need to learn how to treat their future wives, and young women need to learn that they are indeed worthy of respect and honor. In fact, the words of Peter deal with more than the relationship between husband and wife and instead point to the relationship between men and women.

This is where the language of ‘weaker vessel’ comes in. The Roman Empire had clearly defined roles and social spheres that men and women were supposed to occupy. Men were by nature believed to be better at defending the home, while women were thought to be better at keeping watch over it. Men were made for the outdoor tasks and women for the indoor ones. Men and women were mutually dependent on one another, but men were thought to be superior and had more social status and opportunity in the empire than women did. This is one area where the culture of the Roman Empire ran into friction with the theology of the church.

The salvation won for all by Jesus on the cross does not recognize any difference in social status between men and women. They are equally saved and have the same status before God. All Christians are heirs of the grace of life. This is what lies behind Peter’s words about living in an understanding way and showing honor to women as the weaker vessel. Their status as fellow believers is what determines how they are to be treated, not their status according to the culture. The words here are addressed to the husbands because they are the ones who held the authority in Roman culture. The gospel is not limited by social norms. Men, you can treat women with honor because of what Jesus has done for you, and women, you are worthy to be treated with honor because of what Jesus has done for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Most gracious God, we give thanks for the joy and blessings that You grant to husbands and wives. Assist them always by Your grace that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may honor and keep their marriage vows, grow in love toward You and for each other, and come at last to the eternal joys that You have promised; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

-Rev. Grant Knepper, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church Modesto, California.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

October 2, 2024

Today's Reading: James 5:1-12, 13-20

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 3:1-29; Matthew 7:1-12

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:13-15)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Christianity is often presented as the way to a trouble-free life. All you have to do is give your heart to Jesus, and all life’s problems will simply disappear. If any problems remain after a person converts, then that is their fault. Their conversion was not real, and their faith was feigned. Real Christians, according to these people, do not have problems. This kind of teaching simply does not hold up to any kind of scrutiny. Plenty of Christians have suffered real problems and suffered them with real, genuine faith. God never promised His people a carefree life. Look again at our passage from James.

Luther is known for calling the Epistle of James a “book of straw,” but it is almost like he read the passage quoted above when, in the Large Catechism, he asks the question: “What is God? A ‘god’ is the term for that to which we are to look for all good and in which we are to find refuge in all need.” James says much the same thing when those who are suffering are told to pray, and the cheerful are told to sing praise. This shows that God is present with you in both good times and bad. Christians can suffer and rejoice. Christians can, in any of life’s circumstances, turn to God.

Ultimately, this is because the circumstances of this life, whether good or bad, do not change the promises that He has made to His people. None of the circumstances of this life change the reality of your resurrection. The language about saving the sick doesn’t mean that if you get sick and pray, you will be healed. The prayer of faith cannot diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Instead, the prayer of faith clings to the promise of God that in the resurrection of Jesus is the resurrection of all believers. Your sins have been forgiven, you are saved, and even should you die, the Lord will raise you up. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Still Your children wander homeless; Still the hungry cry for bread; Still the captives long for freedom; Still in grief we mourn our dead. As, O Lord, Your deep compassion Healed the sick and freed the soul, Use the love Your Spirit kindles Still to save and make us whole. (LSB 848:2)

-Rev. Grant Knepper, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church Modesto, California.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

October 1, 2024

Today's Reading: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 2:16-37; Matthew 6:16-34

“And a young man ran and told Moses, ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.’ And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, ‘My lord Moses, stop them.’ But Moses said to him, ‘Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!’”(Numbers 11:27-29)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. You don’t have to be around Lutheranism very long before you start to hear arguments about who can do what in the church. You might even hear references to the fourteenth article of the Augsburg Confession. We even speak about it in shorthand, saying simply, “AC XIV.” We even say it in such a way that you can hear the Roman numerals. The Confessions are clear in this matter: no one is to preach or teach in the church without a proper call. Unfortunately, this has become overinterpreted to mean that only the pastor can speak the gospel or that only the pastor can speak in a theological way. This is simply not what the article says. While there are things that are reserved only for the office of the ministry, there is plenty of theological speaking that any Christian can do. The Spirit is not given only to pastors.

You can see this in our reading from Numbers. Moses refuses to punish Eldad and Medad for prophesying in the camp when they were supposed to be with the rest of the elders. Instead, he says, “Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them.” Other Old Testament passages will speak about the Spirit being poured out on all flesh (Joel 2:28). In fact, the Spirit being poured out on all people was one of the signs that would signal the arrival of the Messianic Age. This is the pouring out of the Spirit that took place on the first Pentecost that resulted in a large number of people hearing the mighty works of God in their own language.

This is the same Spirit that is given to all Christians. This is the same Spirit that you received in your Baptism. This is the same Spirit that allows you to hear His Word, receive His Gifts, and proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. This is the same Spirit that allows you to speak the gospel to your friends, family, and anyone that God has placed into your life. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Christ, our true and only light, Enlighten those who sit in night; Let those afar now hear Your voice And in Your fold with us rejoice. (LSB 839:1)

-Rev. Grant Knepper, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church Modesto, California.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

September 30, 2024

Today's Reading: Mark 9:38-50

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 1:37-2:15; Matthew 6:1-15

“Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.’” (Mark 9:50)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The church is always bigger than you think it is. It is bigger than the congregation you attend, and it is bigger than the church body that that congregation is part of as well. In other words, there is no true visible church on earth. We confess the church, but we do not get to see it. This is why Jesus tells His disciples not to stop people from outside their circle from casting out demons in His name. The distinctions between people that used to define who was in the community and who was outside the community are erased in the shadow of the cross. Good works, even mighty works, can be done in Jesus’ name by people who are not part of your circle.

Jesus goes on to teach His disciples that if good can be found outside their circle, then evil can also be found inside of it. This is what lies behind the language of cutting off the hand, foot, or eye if they cause you to sin. This is not language exhorting individuals to get elective surgery to cure their sin problem. There is no such thing as a sin-ectomy. You do not have to cripple yourself to be part of the kingdom. Amputation is not a mighty work done in Jesus’ name. What this means is that some who are in the community may not be part of the community.

This is where the importance of the salt language comes in. What makes you one of the people of God is having that salt within you that can only be given to you by God. This is the salt that comes with the Gift of faith: the belief that the mightiest work of all, Jesus’ death on the cross, was a death that was for you. This salt makes you part of the church that cannot be seen but only confessed. This is the salt found in the waters of Baptism and the salt that flavors the Lord’s Supper. This is the salt that is the taste of eternal life. This is the salt that makes even the most ordinary act of giving a fellow believer a drink of water a mighty work done in Jesus’ name. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Everlasting Father, source of every blessing, mercifully direct and govern us by Your Holy Spirit that we may complete the works You have prepared for us to do; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

-Rev. Grant Knepper, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church Modesto, California.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

September 29, 2024

Today's Reading: Luke 10:17-20

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 1:19-36; Matthew 5:21-48

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’” (Luke 10:19-20)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Did you know that as believers, you have nothing to fear from Satan and his army of fallen angels? That is what Satan and, indeed, all demons are: fallen angels. Did you know that when you were clothed with Christ in Baptism, Satan lost any power or claim that he had on you? Did you know that because you have been marked as a child of God, demons actually fear you? This is not a matter of Christians being especially intimidating in a manly or warrior-like fashion. Indeed, Satan and his minions retain a special fear of women, for it was through a woman that God promised to bring forth the savior.

Power and authority over demons– that is a pretty exciting thing, and it’s a reality for Christians. This needs to be kept in mind in the face of popular Christian fiction that depicts believers as helpless pawns in some ongoing cosmic battle between God’s angels and Satan’s angels. Not to spoil anyone’s reading for entertainment, but the battle is over. It’s not ongoing. As Revelation 12 reminds us, war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. This does not describe some future battle that we need to pick sides for but speaks of a past battle, one that is already over. Satan and God should never be seen as equals caught up in a struggle that we somehow can tip one way or the other. Satan needs to be seen for what he is defeated and cast down from heaven and trying to take anyone down with him that he can.

As exciting as this is, power over Satan and his fallen angels isn’t even the main thing. This is not why we gather for worship on a Sunday. We do not gather to celebrate our authority over Satan and his demons; we do not gather to impress each other with new and painful wrestling holds with which to torture them, although that might make for a popular youth activity. We gather, as always, to receive the forgiveness of sins that Christ won for us on the cross. We gather to receive God’s Gifts. We gather for the strengthening of faith. We gather because Jesus has called us. We gather because our names have been written in heaven. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Everlasting God, You have ordained and constituted the service of angels and men in a wonderful order. Mercifully grant that, as Your holy angels always serve and worship You in heaven, so by Your appointment they may also help and defend us here on earth; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

-Rev. Grant Knepper, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church Modesto, California.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.