Today's Reading: Proverbs 9:1-10

Daily Lectionary: Joshua 2:1-24; Acts 8:26-40

[Wisdom] has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" To him who lacks sense she says, "Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight." (Proverbs 9:3-6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Two women are contrasted in our text for today. Let's start with the latter: Lady Folly is a fool. She is a simpleton and knows nothing at all, but her ways are seductive. She sets herself up to look like the first lady. She does the same things and says the same words. It's all a ruse, but it's an effective one.

And her purpose is not to offer an equally valid option. She might say as much, maybe even has her minions whispering that very thing into your ear. In the advertisements that she has plastered all over town she is billing herself as equal to Lady Wisdom, only better. But only death lies beyond her. There is no life to be found in her. But she is seductive. And she promises to you that she can grant you more life than Wisdom. She can't.

For Wisdom has her house built on a sure foundation and she has already slaughtered her beasts to feed you with a full banquet. No stale water or crusty bread for you, just the choicest of wines and the fattiest of meats. Only the best for you: That is what Wisdom gives.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." This whole reading is all about Jesus. Contrast Him with whatever else and with whomever else you would like, because everything else is folly. Everything else only offers you the things that lead to death, eternal death, although they promise you the moon and all the happiness in the world. But it is all hollow and vapid, worthless and deadly. Only Christ Jesus calls His children inside His house and offers to them the things of life, the things of forgiveness, the things of Word and water and bread and wine, the things of Him and His Cross, given and granted free of charge to the simple and those who lack sense. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Since He is ours, We fear no powers, Not of earth nor sin nor death. He sees and blesses In worst distresses; He can change them with a breath. Wherefore the story Tell of His glory With heart and voices; All heav'n rejoices In Him forever: Alleluia! We shout for gladness, Triumph o'er sadness, Love Him and praise Him And still shall raise Him Glad hymns forever: Alleluia! ("In Thee Is Gladness" LSB 818, st.2)

-Rev. Eli Lietzau is pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

Audio Reflections speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Come on an adventure with author Eric Eichinger as he unpacks the saga of Jesus' Hero Journey. You'll see how aspects of this journey are seen in popular stories, and how God used Jesus to create the most action-packed one with a real Savior for all. Now available from Concordia Publishing House.