May 30, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Easter 7 - Psalm 61:3, 5-8; antiphon: Psalm 61:1

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 11:24-29; 12:1-16; Luke 17:20-37

“So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.” (Psalm 61:8)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  

If you’ve gone through the Rite of Confirmation, you’ve made some vows. If you haven’t, you’re likely preparing to. During the Rite, the Pastor asks: “Do you intend to hear the Word of God and receive the Lord’s Supper faithfully? Do you intend to live according to the Word of God and in faith, word, and deed to remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, even to death? Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and Church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it?”  

Those are not simple questions. These vows are made to God. Solomon warns us in Ecclesiastes 5:4-6, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, ‘My vow was a mistake.’”

Vows aren’t something to say because someone else wants you to say them. Making vows that you don’t intend to keep is a dangerous habit to get into. When you go through the Rite of Confirmation, you vow that you intend to be in church to hear God’s Word, that you intend to live your life outside of church according to that Word, and that you will continue in this way to your death, even if someone were to kill you for it!

So, what did, or what will you vow? “I do, by the grace of God.” Left on our own, we would fall away at the first sign of discomfort. But you are not on your own. The Lord who comes to you through His Word and Sacraments will continue to strengthen you in your faith as you go through life. This is why we don’t want to stop hearing it! If you want to fulfill these vows, don’t forget to do what David says, “So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.” As you fulfill that first vow, to hear the Word of God and receive the Lord’s Supper faithfully, He will cause you to live according to that Word and to continue in that Word. Listen to Solomon, and do not delay in fulfilling it!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord, I my vows to Thee renew; Disperse my sins as morning dew; Guard my first steps of thought and will And with Thyself my spirit fill. (LSB 868:4)

- Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.

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.