August 25, 2025

Today's Reading: Isaiah 66:18-23

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 7:51-8:21; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18

“The time is coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they shall come and shall see my glory.” (Isaiah 66:18b)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

In the Harry Potter Wizarding World, non-magical people are called “Muggles,” or for a more vulgar slur, “Mud Bloods.” The Israelites who first heard Isaiah preaching today’s reading would have heard the Hebrew word “goi” (nations) and would have had very better-than-you, condescending attitudes. How dare Isaiah preach Law to them, and that God would gather these Mud Blood Gentiles to Himself?!

The history of the world has taken a very different turn, and so many times the tables were turned, and Gentiles have persecuted the descendants of Israel with better-than-you, condescending views. Whether we have participated in or ignored this particular sin, we all fall into the trap of thinking too highly of ourselves, and join the ancient Israelites.

Still, the Holy One of Israel brings you joy today as He proclaims that He gathers His Church not only from the Children of Israel, but from lowly goi like you!    

The Lord gathered all to see His glory at the birth of Jesus. God demonstrated that Christ was for all when He announced the birth to humble Jewish shepherds in Bethlehem, senior citizens in the Temple like Simeon and Anna, and to the goi, with Wise Men traveling from other lands to see “He who has been born King of the Jews.”

The Lord gathered all to see His glory at Calvary. At the moment when it seemed least likely and looked like a horrific defeat, God was displaying His perfect and holy glory. In the crucified Jesus, we see a perfect and loving God who gave His life for us all. This ultimate compassion has no equal and truly shows the glory of the Lord.

The Lord gathered all to see His glory at the resurrection of Christ. First, He had angels announce it to women (turning upside down any cultural expectations). Then, He appeared to His apostles. And later, hundreds of others. In a little while, He called St. Paul to preach to the goi all over the Roman Empire, and the other apostles gradually expanded their mission through the known world.

Someday, the Lord will gather all to see His glory at the Last Day. Every tribe, people, and language will see the coming of the Lord of the Nations and King of Creation. He will raise all the dead and give eternal life to you and all believers in Christ. The Holy One of Israel desires to gather all to see His glory, and in faith, live with Him forever.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

We are called to stand together With the saints of ages past, With the patriarchs and prophets In the faith they once held fast; Promises and hopes they treasured Now we find fulfilled at last! (LSB 828:1) 

Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.

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

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