October 27, 2023

Today's Reading: Matthew 10:24-42

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 8:1-20, Matthew 10:24-42

Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.  (Matthew 10:39)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Life is full of so many unexpected twists and turns.  There are always those things that we never anticipated happening, being dumped into your lap.  We thought we knew what was going on and suddenly we had to re-evaluate our plans and future.  As Christians it is very important that we realize this rather than shy away from it.  Jesus was never one who promised a life full of ease and happiness. For us today who live in the shadow of Jesus’ cross we have to constantly be brought to the realization that we really aren’t in charge.  In your sins you want to be in control, you want to be the author and sustainer of your life, but your sins also show you that is not the case.  

Sometimes when God allows chaos, uncertainty or suffering to be dumped into our lap God may very well be stopping our selfish and sinful plans. However this is a daily battle we face each and every day.  Luther says that our greatest enemies are sin, the devil and even ourselves in our sinful flesh.  Yes, that means you are your own worst enemy.  It’s so hard to have God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven, but even then Jesus has come to take on our mortal and sinful nature for us.  His path seemed to have many unexpected twists and turns, it seems as if so many things he faced were unanticipated.  

However in all things, He knew the path set before Him. His path had His eyes set on you, His joy and delight.  He is the one who lost His life, so that you might gain eternal life. In the case of uncertainty and suffering we find comfort in the fact that Jesus Himself is acquainted with suffering and grief but even more He is the one who came for the sake of you, to endure the cross and its suffering and chaos to insure that you will live with Him never to be of concern about your plans or future.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your gifts, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

- Pastor Kent Schaaf is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock. AR..

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

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.