December 5, 2025

Today's Reading: Isaiah 11:1-12:6

Daily 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.