November 20, 2023

Today's Reading: Zephaniah 1:7-16

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 1:1-19, Matthew 21:23-46

Be silent before the Sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near. The Lord has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited.  (Zephaniah. 1:7)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Imagine if your pastor started his sermon with “Be quiet!” It would get your attention.  This is how Zephaniah speaks in today's reading. Zephaniah tells the people of God to be quiet, in other words, “Hush up, you’re in the presence of the Lord.” Thanks be to God?

What Zephaniah says is meant to strike fear in the hearts of God’s people. The day of our Lord's return is nearer today than it was yesterday.  We do not know when it will happen and this time of year we are shaken up by the reminder of his return.  This shaking up is a reminder to repent, confess your sins.  

Where is the Gospel in all of this?  It’s all about Jesus!  Jesus, is the one who is returning to judge the living and dead.  But remember Jesus is the one who takes the judgment promised by Zephaniah onto himself. He is judged with your sins in our place on Good Friday.  The day of the Lord’s return can be scary stuff!  In Christ, however, it becomes good news for you and we pray for His return as soon as possible.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The night will soon be ending; the dawn cannot be far.  Let songs of praise ascending now greet the Morning Star!  All you whom darkness frightens with guilt or grief or pain,  God’s radiant Star now brightens and bids you sing again.  (LSB 337:1)

- 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.