Daily Lectionary: Ecclesiastes 12:1-14; John 11:1-16

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them." (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. God gave King Solomon special wisdom from God so that he could be a good king over Israel (See 1 Kings 3). You hear powerful wisdom from Solomon in our reading today from Ecclesiastes 12, but it's not easy to hear. He describes the dark days that come to a person and their family when they are about to die. It's a stark reading.

So why read it? Because death is a reality and it comes to all people. People who live their lives trying to ignore the end of life get lost in vanity. But is it wise to think only of death, since life is temporary? Definitely not!

Solomon teaches us that we should honor life! But how? By remembering the Creator of life. The only way to handle the challenges of this world is to be close to our Creator who gives us life. He keeps us safe from death so that we can receive with thanksgiving the good that He gives each day.

When do you start remembering and honoring your Creator? While you are still young, so that your years are marked by thankfulness as you receive His gifts.

How do you remember your Creator? Luther gives you a simple way in the Small Catechism, where he explains the Apostles Creed, the path of baptismal life in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

This is the path of wisdom. The articles of the Apostles Creed teach you about the Father who created you, the Son who rescued you from sin and death on the Cross, and the Holy Spirit who brings you to faith in Christ and gives you peace with the Father.

This is the life of Baptism into Christ. When you remember your Creator in your youth, you're remembering you are baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. God has made you His own child in Baptism. This baptismal life is not vain or futile like the lives King Solomon decries, but it is a life of peace in Christ now and forever. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still if Thou abide with me! ("Abide With Me" LSB 878, st.5)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch