Reflections

December 20, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 4 - Psalm 19:1, 4-6; antiphon: Isaiah 45:8aDaily Lectionary: Isaiah 40:18-41:10; Revelation 8:1-13"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." (Psalm 19:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The heavens declare. The sky proclaims. The glory of God is spoken. The handiwork of God is revealed. Creation itself shows us who God is. Not fully; we have the Scriptures to tell us in detail who God is and of His great sacrifice on the cross on our behalf. However, Almighty God, as creator and sustainer of life, is not unknowable apart from His Word. God’s creation reveals Him as Creator. The complex systems that are in place for sustaining our basic needs are all designed. And we can know whether or not we have sinned, because we do have a conscience within us. These are all the natural order of things. So all are without excuse when they stand before the Lord on the Last Day.That God is revealed in the natural order of things should drive us all the more to the place where He speaks about Himself. Yes, we can see God through His creation, but we know what He thinks of us by listening to His Word itself. We can see just how much our sin hurts ourselves and those around us when we listen to Him. And we can see just how much He cares for us by becoming a human being just like us. Standing in our place to take what we have earned by our sins. The heavens declare God's glory. But as amazing as the heavens are, it is the glory of Christ on His cross that gives us hope. God sacrificed Himself to save His creation, to save you and me. To make His advent here two thousand or so years ago. Be born, taking on our humanity to stand in our place and receive what we had earned. Then giving us His place, His righteousness, His life. And by that Gift, He gives us all others as well, including the beauty we see in His creation.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Savior rend the heavens wide; Come down, come down with mighty stride; Unlock the gates, the doors break down; Unbar the way to heaven's crown. (LSB 355:1)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 19, 2025Today's Reading: Revelation 7:1-17Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 40:1-17; Revelation 7:1-17"These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:14b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.As we said on Wednesday, Revelation is not a timeline of the last days, but an image of Christ and His Church at all times. And also, there is once again a difference between what is heard and what is seen. 144,000 is 12 (the number of the church, both Old and New Testament) squared, times 1,000 (the number of completeness). We know it isn't meant to be a literal number of those saved, because we see how many are saved: more than we can count. Who are these countless number? They are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. Now, imagine the worst trouble you can think of. Does it fit the word tribulation in your mind? Is it worse than a perfect world where humanity was made by God to not die, being infected by sin, which destroys ourselves, harms one another, and causes all people to die? This fallen world is the great tribulation that Christ calls us out of. And He does so by washing us. That Baptism He gives you delivers the death of Jesus to you. It brings where He shed His blood to where you are now. And by that blood, your dirty, filthy, rotten sin is taken away. By His death on the cross, your sins are paid in full. And you are made clean, purified. Your Baptism is the seal that the Lord has put upon you. He has written His name across you, to let the world know that you are His. That's why He gives so much to save you. That's why He dies so that you would live. You are that important to Him. So important that He wants you to be in eternity with Him. He has grafted you into His people. He places you before His throne. He shelters you with His presence. He feeds you and gives you drink from Himself, so that you will hunger and thirst for righteousness no more. He has delivered it to you. And Jesus Christ, on the Last Day, in eternity, will indeed wipe away every tear from your eye.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Behold a host, arrayed in white, Like thousand snow-clad mountains bright! With palms they stand; Who is this band Before the throne of light? These are the saints of glorious fame, Who from the great affliction came And in the flood Of Jesus' blood Are cleansed from guilt and shame. They now serve God both day and night; They sing their songs in endless light. Their anthems ring As they all sing With angels shining bright. (LSB 676:1)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 18, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism - Table of Duties: To WidowsDaily Lectionary: Isaiah 34:1-2, 8-35:10; Micah 1:1-7:20; Revelation 6:1-17"She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives." (1 Timothy 5:5-6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Table of Duties tells us how we should live in the vocations that the Lord has placed us in. Even though not very many reading these Higher Things devotions are widows at the moment, that doesn't mean we skip these. Because in your congregations, you will almost always find widows. Some are helping wherever they can. Some are unsure of what to do next. All have faced one of the greatest losses a person can face. In this world, we are encouraged to be alone. That a video chat is as good as being there in person. That you can do all your work virtually. That your physical presence isn't necessary. But it doesn't work that way in the Church. To put your trust in the Lord is to never be alone. Yes, God is always with you, and that is never to be underestimated. However, you are not a Christian in isolation. The Lord put you into a congregation so that you would have people around you. Brothers and sisters in the faith. All part of one family, the Church.Yes, widows need someone to be there. However, they are very good at being there for you when you need them, too. They've been through more than you can imagine, and they understand where you're at better than you do. And they can do so, because in their darkest hours, our Lord is there for them. They face the loss of death every day. But they can face it together with the One who has overcome death Himself. Jesus brings them into His Church so they will not be alone in this. Jesus brings you into His Church for the same reason. If we live to ourselves alone, we will find this world a very lonely and empty place. But that's not who our Lord made us to be. When we hear those words of Absolution from our Lord, we do so with our brothers and sisters in the faith. When we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we do so shoulder to shoulder with our Church family. So that whenever you feel alone, not only do you have the Lord to turn to, you have His Church to turn to as well.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.No saint on earth lives life to self alone Nor dies alone, for we with Christ are one. So if we live, for Christ alone we live, And if we die, to Christ our dying give. In living and in dying this confess: We are the Lord's, safe in God's faithfulness. (LSB 747:1)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 17, 2025Today's Reading: Revelation 5:1-14Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 33:1-24; Revelation 5:1-14"...I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain..." (Revelation 5:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Revelation is not a timeline of the last days, but an image of Christ and His Church at all times. Sure, the pictures described inside make the imagination run wild. But all of Scripture tells us about Jesus and what He has done for us. This chapter is no different. There is only one worthy to open or close the book of life. Hailed as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, we instead see someone very different. A slain Lamb. Slain, yet standing. The English is a bit awkward here, since the Lamb doesn't merely appear slain, yet isn't actually slain. No, the Lamb is slain, and yet stands alive. This is Jesus. The one who can reveal the sealed is the same one who is the lionlike Lamb and is the same one who died and yet lives. And he has revealed to you that He has written your name in His book of life. After all, He has placed His own name upon you. The name I AM when He speaks of Himself. The name Yahweh, which is Hebrew for HE IS, when we say it. His name, which He gives to you, also gives what it says. You are, through Him. You exist, you live, through Him. And to put that name upon you, the lionlike Lamb, the one who stands though slain, the one through whom all things exist, died. And He died for you. Only God can lay down His life and pick it back up again. And that's exactly what He did. Almighty God traded His life in exchange for yours. He suffered in your place for your sins. He was nailed to a cross so that you would be saved. His blood is what blots out all the sins written in crimson, and your name is written in His book. You are buried with Him by baptism into death in order that when He rose, you now have His resurrection promised to you. This is why all the powers of heaven praise Him. Because He has gone out and found you, rescued you, saved you. That's what every verse in Scripture is about, including these.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Yea, her sins our God will pardon, Blotting out each dark misdeed; All that well deserved his anger He will no more see nor heed. She hath suffered many a day, Now her griefs have passed away; God will change her pining sadness Into ever-springing gladness. (LSB 347:2)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 16, 2025Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 32:1-20; Revelation 4:1-11"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." (1 Corinthians 4:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It is important to know what a pastor isn't and what a pastor is. Since he's in front of the congregation all the time, we sometimes think he's the most important person there. He's not. We sometimes think that because he knows so much of God's Word, he must be holier than everyone else. He isn't. We sometimes think that he must have a secret line to God that the rest of us don't get. He doesn't. Pastors are people just like everyone else. We have the same sins, the same struggles, the same losses. What makes a pastor different is the vocation into which God has placed him. He speaks on Jesus’ behalf. When the Lord forgives sins, the pastor speaks Christ's forgiveness. When the Lord feeds His people, the pastor brings out what God has prepared. You see, Christ did not come as a master but as a servant. Likewise, those He sends to speak on His behalf do not come as masters but as servants—to serve as our Lord serves. That's why our worship is called the Divine Service—not because we serve the divine but because Christ serves you. He teaches you His Law, what He expects you to do. He teaches His Gospel, what He has done for you, especially at the cross. He washes your sins away. He clothes you with His righteousness. He sets you at His table, serving you His own body and blood to eat and drink. He gives you the gift of forgiveness, life, and salvation. So also the pastors whom God calls do these things at His command. Teaching, preaching, washing, serving. These things which God gives are important enough for Him to set a steward over them for your sake. A steward is someone who takes care of his master's things, does his master's business. And that is what a pastor does. God put him here for you. Not as someone far off beyond your reach, but someone, like Christ, who comes to where you are, to serve you where you need.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The everlasting Son Incarnate deigns to be, Himself a servant form puts on To set His servants free. (LSB 331:2)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 15, 2025Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 30:27-31:9; Revelation 3:1-22"A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain." (Isaiah 40:3-4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When John the Baptizer was asked who he was, he pointed to this verse from Isaiah. So, how did he change the landscape? By preaching repentance. Turns out people aren't generally keen on confessing their sins. The world is not a very forgiving place. We ourselves have been trained from the earliest ages to find reasons why our wrongs were actually rights. A child who is confronted with knocking over a lamp might blame a stuffed animal. That doesn't work, but our reasoning gets more sophisticated as we grow. It was a sibling's fault. It was a parent's fault for putting the lamp so close to the edge. It was an emergency, so haste was more important than the lamp. Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter. So long as someone believes it, we show ourselves to be right.We live in a world that demands self-righteousness. If you cannot justify yourself, you will be blamed. However, when people without faith sin in such a way that they cannot justify themselves, it breaks them. Guilt overwhelms them. All that self-justification was actually protection. And without it, people lose their minds, which is why confession and absolution in the Church is so weird to people. Why would anyone willingly put themselves through such guilt and shame? However, the repentance of a Christian has two parts. First is sorrow over our sin. That is the same as anyone else. It's the second part that is different. The second part is hope. A sure and certain hope that all our sin is forgiven. The guilt is made Christ's. The shame hangs on His shoulders. His blood pays for it. And His life is given for our salvation.Without Christ, we would make mountains to hide our sin behind. We would bury in whatever valley we could. But the way of the Lord leaves nowhere for our sin to hide. All our hiding places are made an open field, so the sin can all be seen. And so that Jesus can take it all away. That is why we are so willing to turn in repentance. That is why we willingly confess our sins. Because we know the one who takes them and makes them His. And they're ours no longer. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Make ye straight what long was crooked; Make the rougher places plain. Let your hearts be true and humble, As befits His holy reign. For the glory of the Lord Now o'er earth is shed abroad, and all flesh shall see the token That His Word is never broken. (LSB 347:4)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 14, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 11:2-11Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 30:15-26; Revelation 2:1-29"Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" (Matthew 11:3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.John the Baptizer has been faithful since before he was born. John leapt in his mother Elizabeth's womb in greeting when Jesus visited inside Mary before He was born. He proclaimed a baptism of repentance while dressed in camel's hair and eating locusts. He stood against Herod marrying his brother's wife, which is why he was in prison. But such faithfulness doesn't make doubt impossible, especially when things don't work out the way you hoped they would. We, too, might be faithful in much of what God gives to us. We have confessed Christ when it cost us. We have shared the Gospel with those who needed it, even if they didn't want it. We have called upon Him in times of great need. But what happens when things don't turn out the way we planned? That prayer didn't receive the answer we wanted? That friend betrayed us? A loved one dies? In those moments, we want Christ to answer us: Are you the right one? Or is it someone else? Jesus answers John, John's disciples, and us in the same way, by actually doing the things that He promised. And every promise finds its yes in Jesus' death and resurrection. Because Jesus died for you. Those things that didn't go according to our plan? Remember that God's plan included a cross for Christ to die on. Prayer didn't get the answer we wanted? Jesus prayed for the cup to pass from Him, though not if it was against the Father's will. And the Father's will was for us to be saved from our sin. That friend who betrayed us? By Jesus' betrayal, the price for sin was paid forever on our behalf. A loved one dies? By the death of Jesus, death itself is destroyed. It may have seemed like things were not working throughout Jesus' passion and death. But as Easter morning dawned, sin was forgiven, paid in blood. Death was conquered, as Jesus rose as the firstborn from the dead. The devil had no more claim on anyone, as Christ kicked down the gates of Hell itself in victory. Yes, those moments of doubt come. But all God's promises are answered with “yes” at His cross. Look there, and see what our Lord thinks of you. You are worth God giving up His own life to save. And what can matter more than that?In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord Jesus Christ, we implore You to hear our prayers and to lighten the darkness of our hearts by Your gracious visitation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for the Third Sunday in Advent)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 13, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 3 - Psalm 85:1-2, 6, 8; antiphon: Phil. 4:4-5Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 29:15-30:14; Revelation 1:1-20"You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin." (Psalm 85:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Introit for tomorrow comes from Psalm 85, but there's a part of many psalms that we don't bother with very often. If you open up your Bible to Psalm 85, you will see at or maybe even before verse 1 these words: "To The Choirmaster. A Psalm Of The Sons Of Korah." Who is Korah, and who are his sons? For that answer, we start at Numbers 16.Korah rebelled against Moses during the 40 years in the wilderness. He thought He should lead God's people, and talked a number of them into staging a coup against Moses and Aaron. He refused to meet with Moses, lest Moses kill him and call it judgment from God. Well, the rebellion ended with the ground opening up before the people and swallowing Korah and his closest followers before closing over the top of them. A plague then hit the rest. There was no mistaking God's action. Moses didn't do a thing. But not everyone in Korah's family died. His sons lived (Numbers 26:11). We have their genealogy in 1 Chronicles 6. One of Korah's descendants was a man named Samuel, son of Elkanah, who was the prophet who anointed David to be king. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren went on to be musicians at the temple. The Holy Spirit inspired them to write eleven of the 150 Psalms. They used to rebel against God. And the Lord turned them to be speakers of His Word. He did the same with a Pharisee named Saul, who we now know as St. Paul. And He continues to call us out of our sin, and speak His Word to us, and through us to our neighbors. He does this because God forgives sin. He covers iniquity. And He did that through Jesus. That is why Advent prepares the way for Jesus to come to us. As a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. As a Savior wrapped in burial cloths and laid in a tomb. The death of Jesus pays for all sins, whether Korah's, or Paul's, or ours. His blood covers them all. And we stand forgiven in Him.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hark, the herald's voice is crying In the desert far and near, Calling sinners to repentance, Since the kingdom now is here. O that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way; Let the valley rise to meet Him And the hills bow down to greet Him. (LSB 347:3)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 12, 2025Today's Reading: Jude 1-25Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 29:1-14; Jude 1-25"I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 3b) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The letter from St. Jude, also known as Thaddeus, to the Church is short. But in it, the apostle sees that false teachers are twisting God's Word, and people are following after them. He reminds the Church that this is not the first time this has happened. In fact, it has been happening throughout the history of God's people. From Cain, who killed his brother, to Balaam, who had to be repeatedly warned not to go beyond God's Word, no matter what earthly gain he got from it, to Korah, who rebelled against God and Moses (and whom we will see more of in tomorrow's devotion). We have always needed to be on the lookout for those who say things we want to hear. For the desires of our hearts are only evil continuously (Genesis 6:5). As we saw a couple of days ago, false prophets don't come with warning labels. However, the Lord has let us know that they will be here. And that means we can watch for them. We test everything we hear against the Word of God. Even what you read here, even what you hear from your own pastor. And if there's something that doesn't seem to fit, ask. The misunderstanding may be with you, and he can help. Or the misunderstanding is with him, and you have been a help. For we're all to have mercy on those who doubt, according to St. Jude. Hold tightly to God's Word. For in it we're given Christ. His work of the cross is delivered to us, faith is created in us by the Holy Spirit relaying this Word. God's Word comes to our ears as we hear it read, and as we hear sermons rooted in what God reveals in that Word. God's Word comes to us as Absolution, Christ forgiving our sins directly. God's Word is connected to water in Baptism, where we are buried with Christ in death in order that we can rise with Him in the resurrection. Where we are washed and made clean from all our sin. God's Word says of bread, "This is My body, given for you." The Word says of wine, "This is my blood, shed for your forgiveness." And we receive that word in our mouths.The book of Jude has many other interesting details in it as well. Yet the central theme is to hold tight to that Word, no matter what the world wants you to hear. Because God gives His Gifts by His Word. And that Word is given to you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hark the glad sound! The Savior comes, The Savior promised long; Let ev'ry heart prepare a throne And ev'ry voice a song (LSB 349:1)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 11, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism - Table of Duties: To YouthDaily Lectionary: Isaiah 28:14-29; 1 John 5:1-21; 2 John 1-13; 3 John 1-15"Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you" (1 Peter 5:5–6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.You will hear the word 'vocation' a lot in Lutheran circles. It means the place in which God put you, and the responsibilities that come with that. You will have many different vocations throughout your life. Right now, you are young. And with that comes the responsibility to defer to those with more experience, for experience comes with time. That's a difficult thing to do. Because you have ideas. You know how you want things to go. And you have a world that worships the young, pushing you from behind. Our Lord calls for humility, but humbling oneself just makes everything take longer. But what is better, the Lord raising you up or you raising yourself up? Which one is even possible when we are dead in our own sins?Yet the Lord doesn't call you to do any less than He has done Himself. Jesus is God, and yet when He was in the vocation of youth, He listened to the teachers in the temple—asking good questions, yes, but hearing their answers. Likewise, He was obedient to His earthly parents and humbled Himself to obey what they said. In another vocation, Jesus humbled Himself to be tried before the Sanhedrin. They did not do the right thing, but by Jesus' humility, we were saved. Jesus humbled Himself before Pilate, a pagan who feared more for his own skin than for doing what was right. Pilate also failed, but by Jesus' humility, all our sins are forgiven. Jesus was placed under the authority of death. Not that death had a claim on Him, but by His humility, Jesus died on a cross and saved us from death forever. God places people above us in authority for a reason. Those people might not always get it right, but our Lord does this for our good. When we fall short of what God expects, we humbly return to His grace and mercy, which He gives to us through Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Oh blest that house; It prospers well, In peace and joy the parents dwell. And in their children's lives is shown How richly God can bless His own (LSB 862:4)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 10, 2025Today's Reading: 1 John 4:1-21Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 26:20-27:13; 1 John 4:1-21"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.False prophets don't come with warning labels. They do not advertise that they are wolves dressed as sheep. They may not even intend to do harm, but that doesn't stop the harm they cause. There are a lot of things in this world called 'Christian.' And yet, they do damage to Christians and threaten to take away their hope found in Christ. If we are not careful, we may even find ourselves as one of the wolves.This is why it is so important to be in God's Word regularly. Scripture is where God talks to us. He teaches us what is right, what is His. It's God's Word that tells us of our sin and fallen nature. It's God's Word that tells us how God made a plan to save us from the beginning through Jesus. God's Word shows us the world that we really see. Things are difficult here. Things hurt here. There are crosses here, especially when we confess Christ. Anything that tells us these things will not bother you if you have enough faith, does not come from God. Our hope comes from something far better. Our hope is found in Jesus. There is sin in the world. We have sin ourselves. But Jesus bears it in our place. Dies for it on His cross. You know what God thinks of you by looking at what He did on Good Friday for you. He takes your sin away. He forgives you. He saves you. He makes you part of His family. He feeds you. He washes you. He is present even now with you. Now might not be without pain, but with Christ, there is more hope than all the world's comfort apart from Him. Included in this hope is resurrection for you. Eternal life for you. A world without sin for you, those you love in the faith, all believers, and God Almighty Himself. These are all promised in that Word.False prophets, even unwitting ones, put those things in doubt, take those things away. But Christ has given you His Word to test these things by. Be in His Word often. For He is with you always.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen."Comfort, comfort ye My people, Speak ye peace," thus saith our God; "Comfort those who sit in darkness, Mourning 'neath their sorrow's load. Speak ye to Jerusalem Of the peace that waits for them; Tell her that her sins I cover And her warfare now is over." (LSB 347:1)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 9, 2025Today's Reading: Romans 15:4-13Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 26:1-19; 1 John 3:1-24"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I've sometimes heard people say they like Jesus pretty well, but that Old Testament God sure sounds mean. As tempting as it is to point out that Jesus isn't always smiles and sunshine (Hello, cleansing of the temple!), it's better to find out why. If not, we won't understand why He tells His people to conquer a land and get rid of the people who were in it before. Not understanding that when God's people fall into the same idolatry as those before, the Lord has many harsh things to say and do to them, too.Why is God angry? Because they hurt those whom God loves. They weren't just going about their own business, and then one day got smited by the Lord out of the blue. The Canaanites were offering their own daughters as prostitutes for their idols. They slaughtered their own sons for a mute statue's favor. Wouldn't you get angry if the people around you demanded the most vile things imaginable from your own family members in order to get an inanimate object to love them? Or worse, so they could prove to themselves how good they were?Sin isn't just the breaking of arbitrary rules. Sin hurts those whom God loves. Sin hurts your neighbors, your relationships, your self, your own body, your own soul. Wouldn't you expect the Lord to get angry over such things? And yet, what do we do when that sin is ours? What do we do when God has every right to be angry with us?We give those sins to Him. The Lord's anger isn't like ours. It's not like anything else in this world. God's anger is focused into action. Focused on righting the wrong, healing the wounds, making whole what is broken, taking our sin away. And that doesn't mean that our sin gets ignored, as if it weren't real. It is carried by Christ. Christ, our ram caught in the thicket, who dies instead of us on God's altar. Christ, our brother, who goes ahead of us into death in order that we might live, fed by His Body and Blood. Christ, who parts the sea of sin and death that we may cross over by the Baptism He gives us into a new kingdom. Christ the suffering servant, who bears the sins of the world, including all yours and mine. All the anger over sin has been poured out upon Jesus at the cross for your sake. And He did it for you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Once He came in blessing, All our sins redressing; Came in likeness lowly, Son of God most holy; Bore the cross to save us; Hope and freedom gave us (LSB 333:1)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 8, 2025Today's Reading: Malachi 4:1-6Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 24:14-25:12; Obadiah 1-21; 1 John 2:15-29"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes." (Malachi 4:5)"On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true." (End of the Explanation of the Third Article) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We look forward to the coming of the Day of the Lord. A day when all evil will end. A day when those arrogant, who are sure they know better than to believe in God, will come face to face with Him. A day of fire for the sinful world. So that sin, death, and the devil have roots to take hold any longer. On that day, we will go out leaping with joy at the resurrection, the forgiveness of sins, our salvation, and eternal life with God. And all that's left which is wicked will be ash under our feet. We are ready for the Last Day, to be sure. But there is another day that has already happened. A day where evil ended, because it was conquered. A day when the arrogant, who were sure they knew better than God, saw God face to face. A day of fire, as the wrath of God over the world's sin burned brightly. And by this day, by the death of God on this day, sin, death, and the devil have no way for roots to take hold any longer. On that day, that great and awesome day of the Lord, Jesus Christ died on His cross. We call that day Good. What Jesus won for us on that day causes us to go out leaping with joy. Joy over the forgiveness of all our sins. Joy that He has saved us. Joy that eternal life has been made ours. Joy, because resurrection is coming. All promises made by the God who keeps His every promise. Elijah was indeed sent before that day. Jesus Himself will show us that John the Baptizer is the Elijah who was to come. And that same John the Baptizer has likewise made the way ready for Jesus to come to us. From God's perspective, these two are the same day. And we can see them that way as well. We look forward to the coming Day of the Lord. We look back at the already arrived Day of the Lord. And on both days, we rejoice that Jesus Christ has paid for our sin, conquered our death, defeated that devil, and saved us forever. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Behold the Lamb of God That bears the world's transgression, Whose sacrifice removes The devil's dread oppression. Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away our sin, Who for peace and joy Will full atonement win. (LSB 346:3)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 7, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 21:25-36Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 24:1-13; 1 John 1:1-2:14"Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Where is God? The nations are in distress, the earth roars with violence, people are fainting with fear, the powers are shaken. Where is God? My home breaks, disaster takes away what I have, fear haunts my waking moments, and the social pressure is more than I can bear. Where is God? I struggle with my sin, my temptation abounds, I endure the disgrace of those who have sinned against me, I am ashamed. Where is God? Diseases rampage, wars rage incessantly, my body breaks, those I love die. Where is God?We ask, because we have heard that God loves us, that God delivers us, that God saves us. If we are going through these things, we assume that He must not really be here, or else we wouldn't go through them at all. Even though our Lord has told us directly that we would. The Lord says, "the wickedness of man [is] great upon the earth, and that every intention of his heart was only evil continuously." However, we still can't figure out why the world has so much evil in it. The Lord said, "For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it." Yet we are frustrated that nothing we do seems to change anything. Jesus said, "Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." And for the life of us, we cannot figure out why the world seems to want us dead, and will do anything to accuse us of the worst.Jesus also said, "Take up your cross and follow me." Where is God? He is found in the suffering, the struggles, the shame, the death. "When you see these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Jesus is found at the cross. And it's there where our sins are counted His, and He pays for them in full. It's there where our shame is counted as His, and He bears it publicly, humiliated before all for our sake. And when you face the things of this world, which will always be there, you never face them alone. Your redeemer is with you. Jesus is with you. And these things are not the proof of God's absence. Just the opposite. He's telling you to take them as proof of His presence. "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows." In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of your only-begotten Son, that by His coming we may be enabled to serve you with pure minds; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for the Second Sunday in Advent)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 6, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 2 - Psalm 80:1, 3, 14, 17; antiphon: Isaiah 62:11b; 30:30, 29Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 14:1-23; 2 Peter 3:1-18“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your salvation comes.’ The Lord will cause his majestic voice to be heard, and you shall have gladness of heart. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved! Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see. But let your hand be on the man of your right hand, the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself! Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your salvation comes.’ The Lord will cause his majestic voice to be heard, and you shall have gladness of heart.” (Introit for the Second Week of Advent)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God is present with His people. That promise runs all the way through Holy Scripture. It especially runs through tomorrow’s Introit from Psalm 80 and the parts of Isaiah that comfort us today. Loneliness is a powerful feeling. It’s hard when you feel abandoned by your friends and misunderstood by your parents. When it seems that God is far away from you, you can also feel a spiritual loneliness that is really discouraging.  In those times of loneliness, Scripture leads us to call on God, “Look at me and don’t forget me! Save me! Restore me! Don’t go away, but stay here with me!” That’s the prayer of Psalm 80. Hear the Word of God. Call out to your dear Heavenly Father as one of His dear children. You are not alone, because God is with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Hope in the Lord and in His plentiful redemption!When you feel alone and when you wonder if God really does care about you, remember that He has baptized you, placing His own name on you. Remember that He speaks His Word in your ears to remind you that you are forgiven and that you belong to Him. Remember that He has broken His own body and shed his blood for you, and gives you that Gift in Holy Communion. You are not alone, because your Lord, Jesus Christ, draws near to you and is present with you. He will remain with you until the Last Day, when He will take you to Himself. The Lord is always with you, no matter what!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God Himself is present: Let us now adore Him And with awe appear before Him. God is in His temple; All within keep silence; Humbly kneel in deepest rev’rence. He alone On His throne Is our God and Savior; Praise His name forever! (LSB 907:1)Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 5, 2025Today's Reading: Isaiah 11:1-12:6Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 11:1-12:6; 2 Peter 2:1-22“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Salvation” is a powerful word, but you might not use it every day. We’re more familiar with the verb “to save” and with the noun “savior,” but to say that God is our salvation is unique. Salvation is what God accomplishes and brings. The Savior brings salvation. Isaiah doesn’t just say that God brings salvation, but that God is salvation. In other words, this isn’t something God simply accomplishes, but salvation is God’s identity (along with many other important things!)Isaiah lived in a chaotic world. The politics were complicated. Life was dangerous. Things were confusing. Where would God’s people find help? Their kings hadn’t been great. Other nations were attacking them and trying to take advantage of them. Was there hope that things would get better? Isaiah promised that there would be a branch from the stump of Jesse. There would be a descendant from King David who would do great things for God’s people. “Great things” sells that promise short. The One who is coming would not be corrupt, but would do everything right. The peace would be so profound that wolves and lambs would lie down next to each other, and the lambs wouldn’t get eaten! There would be no danger, even to the point that toddlers could play over snake dens without getting bitten! God’s people who had been carried away would be brought back home. Everything would be restored!Who would do this? No mere human king. No political or military leader could pull this off. This is the work of God Himself. God is the salvation of His people. God is the hope of the hopeless, the strength of the weak, and the perfection of the imperfect. That’s great news, because life today can be chaotic as well. Politics, health, safety, emotions, families, and so many other things are difficult, challenging, and messed up. Both in the days of Isaiah and today, God is the salvation of His people. God shows up with healing and forgiveness and restoration and righteousness, and He makes all things right, just the way they should be by His very presence. God comes to you as your salvation. In the middle of chaos, trust in the Lord your God because He is your salvation.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Since Christ has full atonement made And brought to us salvation, Each Christian therefore may be glad And build on this foundation. Your grace alone, dear Lord, I plead, Your death is now my life indeed, For You have paid my ransom. (LSB 555:6)Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 4, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism - Table of duties: To Employers and SupervisorsDaily Lectionary: Isaiah 10:12-27a, 33-34; 2 Peter 1:1-21“Masters, do the same to [your bondservants], and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.” (Ephesians 6:9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Well, this is an awkward bit of the Catechism to discuss in reflections geared toward youth, isn’t it? The “bondservants” described in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians can also be understood as slaves or indentured servants. That’s not how things work around you, though. These words are appropriate not only for people who supervise indentured servants, but also for bosses, teachers, supervisors, and anyone who holds a position of authority.That’s not too many high-school students, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Are you a captain on your sports team? Do you babysit? Are you sometimes left in charge of your younger siblings? If you’re an older student in your school, how do you treat younger students? Do you take advantage of others? Are you bossy when you babysit or pushy to your teammates? When you serve in those places of honor and respect, do you treat those around you lovingly?This encouragement has a deeper significance than “be nice to others.” While “it’s nice to be nice,” God created all people. Those with authority and those under authority have the same heavenly Master, and God doesn’t play favorites. A threatening, belligerent boss doesn’t honor God when he or she mistreats their employees. A rude or quarrelsome teacher doesn’t honor God by their actions. A condescending babysitter or trainer at a part-time job doesn’t honor people created by God. God has every right to judge you for how you treat others, including those whom you supervise in any capacity.The way that you treat others is imperfect. Have you threatened, patronized, or been rude to others? Well, since you have a pulse - probably. What hope is there for you? Jesus shed His blood on the cross to cover even those sins, and the fruit of the Spirit fills you with strength to love others in a more excellent way. Your sin is forgiven, and when you have influence and authority over others, use it in service to them, as you are one of God’s gifts to the people He created.God loves everyone He has made. God calls you to love and respect the people He made, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because He has given supervisors and bosses and babysitters and team captains to the people He has created.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The humble heart and lowly God raises up on high; Beneath His feet in terror The haughty soul shall lie. The heart sincere and right, That heeds God’s invitation And makes true preparation— It is the Lord’s delight. (LSB 354:3)Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 3, 2025Today's Reading: Romans 13:(8-10) 11-14Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 9:8-10:11; 1 Peter 5:1-14“Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:11-12)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Perhaps you remember the story of Paul Revere, the Boston silversmith who warned the American revolutionaries that, “The British are coming! The British are coming!” If you don’t remember Paul Revere, you might remember that student in your elementary classroom who stood in the doorway when the teacher left the room. As the rest of the class got up to their shenanigans, the lookout would loudly whisper, “Shhh! The teacher’s coming back!”Holy Scripture doesn’t need Paul Revere or the classroom lookout because the Holy Spirit inspired St. Paul to write that it’s time to wake from sleep. There is no time for sleepiness, laziness, or shenanigans for God’s people. The Lord’s salvation is near at hand, and Christ is returning soon. Live like Jesus is coming in glory soon! Live as one of the Christians who is forgiven by Jesus and for whom Jesus died.It’s hard to live in a constant state of readiness. Have you ever had a class at school where your teacher warned you that you could have a pop quiz at any time? It was really stressful, wasn’t it? Or if you have a job, you know how nerve-wracking it can be when your boss watches your normal tasks and then asks to have a private chat.  You are covered by the grace of Christ. That doesn’t mean that you can let your guard down or live in a spiritually lazy way. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith. (Hebrews 12:2) Live out your faith because you are a beloved child of God. Jesus is coming back. Yet, your life of faith isn’t something you need to do because you are afraid of God, but because that is who God has made you to be. While it can be hard to remain dedicated to the loving service that God has called you to do, don’t grow weary. Don’t give up. Don’t stop serving and loving your neighbors. After all, God put those people in your life for you to love. He has also called you to love Him with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul. As hard as it is, simply do that until the day that Jesus returns in glory.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.As we worship, grant us vision, Till Your love’s revealing light In its height and depth and greatness, Dawns upon our quickened sight, Making known the needs and burdens Your compassion bids us bear, Stirring us to tireless striving, Your abundant life to share. (LSB 848:3)Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 2, 2025Today's Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 8:9-9:7; 1 Peter 4:1-19“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” (Jeremiah 23:5-6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.These days, there aren’t very many kings in the world. Sure, there’s a King of Great Britain and the British Commonwealth, but where else are there kings? Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Monaco, and Morocco are some current monarchies as well, for your trivia background information. Still, “kings” sound foreign to most people today. But the Lord’s promise through Jeremiah is more than talking about a monarchial form of government, but the establishment of the “once-for-all-ruler-over-all-things.”  This is not a promise about another monarch or king in the world, but the ultimate ruler over all things.  The righteous Branch of David is not just another ruler. He is the be-all, end-all ruler. All authority in heaven and on earth is given to Him. (Matthew 28:18) He is before all things; in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17) In him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28) There is no one like Jesus Christ, the righteous Branch. The justice and righteousness that He brings are no mere human ideal, but the very justice and righteousness of God.Jesus has come. The Lord is our righteousness. Jesus, the righteous Branch, has made you righteous by His grace. In a human court, a judge will declare an accused person “not guilty” if there isn’t enough evidence to convict them of a crime. Notice, though, that there is a big difference between “not guilty” and “innocent.” Someone who didn’t commit a crime isn’t guilty of that crime, but they aren’t innocent. But when Jesus, the ruler and judge of all things, comes, He is our righteousness. Jesus doesn’t declare you “not guilty” nor “innocent” but rather “righteous.” By the grace of God that covers you, Jesus says that, because of His grace, you are just the way you are supposed to be. He has claimed you as His own. That’s the only authority that matters. Live as a subject in God’s Kingdom, because “The Lord is Our Righteousness” (that is, Jesus Christ) is your King.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lo, how a rose e’er blooming From tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming As prophets long have sung, It came, a flow’ret bright, Amid the cold of winter, When half-spent was the night. (LSB 359:1)Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 1, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 21:1-9Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 7:10-8:8; 1 Peter 3:1-22“And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’” (Matthew 21:9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Wait, how did a Holy Week reading break into December? Palm Sunday happened the week of Good Friday and Easter, not four weeks before Christmas. Maybe the Bible-reading calendar (the lectionary) goofed up! Don’t worry. This is not a mistake. At the beginning of this new Church year, we are supposed to hear about Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem as King, about Jesus' appearance as Savior, and recognize Jesus’ presence not only in Jerusalem but with the whole Church. That day, Jesus entered on a humble donkey to the shouts of the crowds. During this season of Advent, we also look at how Jesus was born and laid in a manger at Christmas, and how Jesus will come again in glory on the Last Day.What those events all have in common is that Jesus is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. In Jerusalem, the crowds shouted the Hebrew word “Hosanna!” which means “Save us now!”  Psalm 118:25 teaches us to pray like this, and it continues to be the prayer of Christ’s Church today.  In Advent, in Holy Week, and for every day throughout the year, you need Jesus. You need a Savior. The world threatens you, the Devil attacks you, and your own sinful flesh and mind try to get you to doubt God. You fall into sin; no matter how hard you try, you cannot live perfectly. By yourself, you are a lost cause. You can’t do what God has called you to do in His Law. That’s why He has come. He has come to save you. The Lord of all, present in the manger. The One who humbly rode a donkey into Jerusalem as an answer to prayer. The One who was subject to death, even death on a cross, for your forgiveness. The One who rose from death to give you the promise of everlasting life with Him. Jesus has come to save you.Keep praying! Keep singing with the crowds, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Save us now, Lord!”  Confess your faith in Jesus, your Savior. He has come to rescue you from sin and every evil. Rejoice, because He is the Savior you need, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing; For Christ is our Redeemer, The Lord of heav’n our King. Oh, may we ever praise Him With heart and life and voice And in His blissful presence Eternally rejoice!” (LSB 443:3)Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.