July 7, 2025

Today's Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14

Daily Lectionary: Judges 2:6-23; Acts 13:13-41

“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 66:13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

You might be at an age where you do not feel like you need “comfort” from your mom or dad. If you get hurt (it is no longer a boo-boo or an owie), you can simply console yourself. You do not need mommy (or daddy) to kiss it and make it better anymore. That time has gone. You are older and more mature. You simply do not need such things. That is not who you are anymore. 

That is what the devil wants you to think. Satan wants you to feel COMPLETELY SELF-SUFFICIENT. He wants you to think that you do not need your parents, or anyone else, or even God to make it through this life. The worldly phrase is “pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” In other words, do it yourself. But then, when things go bad, and they inevitably will, it is no one’s fault but yours. It is your fault, your guilt, your debt…it is you separating you from your heavenly Father and His peace.

Before you were aware (of anything!), God was there. Before you were born, God knew you. Before you could articulate faith or express your love for God, He loved you. God has always been there for you and will always be. Whether you know it or not, you have a connection to God that will never go away.

Why is that important? Because life is hard. Sin affects us. We cannot handle it all on our own. The world is telling us to try harder, and it seems to be getting worse. The more I do, the more difficult it is. No matter how good you are, you are not good enough. 

People in your life will come and go (maybe even your mom or dad). God is always there for you. On the good days, God is there. On the bad days, God is there. On the best day of your life, God is there. On the worst day of your life, God is there…for you. Always. Forever. God comforts you. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Father in heaven, you are the author and source of all consolation, the great provider. May we always look to you for comfort and assurance in a world that is neither comforting nor assuring. Fill us with your Spirit that we might be strengthened in our faith and share your love through word and deed. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

- Rev. Roger Stites, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Sequim, WA.

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

In Clarifying the Great Commission, Rev. Daniel Christian Voth identifies common omissions from our collective understanding of Jesus’ farewell discourse—omissions that turn Christ’s promises of forgiveness, life, and salvation into a legalistic command. Come and discover a richer understanding of The Great Commission.