April 21, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 24:13-35, 36-49

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 15:1-18; Hebrews 9:1-28

“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.” (Luke 24:30)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. For the disciples, their world had just been rocked. The Messiah had been crucified, and now they were potentially in the crosshairs of the local leaders. Their world was one of chaos and uncertainty as they worked to navigate the aftermath of the crucifixion of Jesus. They were not given a pamphlet or a grief book from the local church to contend with their feelings and emotions after the crucifixion. The two travelers did not know that it was Jesus who walked with them, who spoke to them, who inquired of their conversation, and who accepted their invitation into their home to spend the night. They did not know that it was Jesus sitting in their midst that evening. Finally, their eyes are opened, and they see Jesus in the blessing and breaking of the bread. 

Our lives are filled with the uncertainty that a fallen creation gives us. We are told that true order comes from following the right philosophies of this world. If we just follow the suggested steps that the latest life-coach sensation advocates, then the chaos will cease our lives. We are pointed to the influencers on social media, advised to watch this reel or subscribe to a certain channel, and then we will have the answers we need to experience true joy and happiness. We have a lot of people, ideologies, and philosophies that want to be the center of our lives.

The presence of Christ in the middle of the disciples brought them order in the midst of their chaos. In our world today, we are given Christ in the breaking of bread. As we bend the knee at the Communion rail, our Pastor places in our mouth the Body and Blood of Jesus. The true presence of Christ in, with, and under the bread and wine. He speaks words of comfort and order to us when he says, “Take and eat” and “Take and drink.” In the reception of His Body and Blood, forgiveness is delivered to you. Our eyes are opened, and our hearts are filled with the peace that this world cannot give. His promises are delivered, and we are restored. He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O God, in the paschal feast You restore all creation. Continue to send Your heavenly gifts upon Your people that they may walk in perfect freedom and receive eternal life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Easter Evening/Easter Monday)

-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.

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

Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God’s people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.