May 5, 2025

Today's Reading: Acts 9:1-22

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 33:1-23; Luke 7:1-17

“Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:3-5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Karma is a Hindu belief that has passed into the common cultural vernacular. In the cultural vernacular, it means that when you do something bad, it will come back to bite you, and when you do something good, it will be repaid somehow. You can see how appealing it is, I’m sure; I mean, I love the idea that evil doers will receive some clear measurable payout and that you’ll somehow be rewarded for doing something good. It scratches our self-righteous itch, doesn’t it? Now let me be clear: karma isn’t real, and it’s a good thing for us it is not. Instead of our actions being carved in stone and us awaiting abstract punishment from “the universe,” we have a judge who loves us and is merciful, forgiving, and just. Humans, because of our various biases and blind spots, are rarely ever just, but God is just; this is why He tells us to leave vengeance up to Him (Romans 12:19). 

When Paul meets Jesus on the road to Damascus after persecuting the Church, it is not due to karma or some sort of abstract cosmic justice; it is due to the Lord’s very particular justice. The Lord’s justice does not simply seek retribution for the suffering of the persecuted church but is also merciful enough to call the chief persecutor to repentance. Karmic justice would have necessitated Paul’s death. Instead, Paul receives mercy and becomes a preacher of Jesus’s mercy and grace. Jesus’s forgiveness makes all things new for Paul, reconciling Him to God and his neighbors. This same forgiveness and reconciliation is all of ours, freely given in the waters of Baptism, at the Lord’s table, or in the proclamation of the Lord’s gospel. 

Did you notice as well what Jesus says to Paul? “Why are you persecuting ME?” He doesn’t ask why Paul’s persecuting the church, but why are you persecuting me. The Church is the bride of Christ, but she is also the body of Christ, as this is how closely connected our Lord is to those who are His. As we make our way in this world, a world that has always been hostile to the gospel of Jesus, we can be comforted in the knowledge that we are defended by Him, not on any merit or worthiness on our part, but because of His love for us, his sheep He will forever remain our Good Shepherd. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Through toil and tribulation And tumult of her war She waits the consummation Of peace forevermore Till with the vision glorious Her longing eyes are blest, And the great Church victorious Shall be the Church at rest. (LSB 644:4)

- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary Services

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

Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God’s people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.