November 6, 2023

Today's Reading: Micah 3:5-12

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 18:1-22, Matthew 14:22-36

“Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry “Peace” when they have something to eat, but declare war against him who puts nothing into their mouths.” (Micah 3:5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. People have been weaponizing religion ever since sinners realized there was power in it.  It’s not ok.  Ever.  From simple greed to much darker sins, it’s hard to see how organized religion seems to function.  I get why people would swear it off.  

The LORD speaks through Micah and promises a retribution most seem to avoid today, even if Jerusalem was handed over into captivity back when.  The people looking for vengeance are still a step behind the rest of the heartbroken who have sworn “never again”.  They want to see someone hurt. Maybe they have. Maybe not yet.  But the rest ask the more important question.  Why would God want there to be a church in the first place when this is what is done with it? It’s probably the best question to ask. 

Because The LORD is pretty unhappy with those who would make weapons out of the things that make for peace, too.  That gives you the chance to consider something.  God sees the evil done within His walls and still decides to keep His religion around.  If you pack a box full of sinners, they’re gonna sin, even if the box is called a church.  That doesn't just mean you have to take the bad with the good. Decry it. Leave no room for sin to thrive.  And grow from it what the evil one would only use for ruin by realizing that it can’t stop God from working peace even when false prophets would try to wield it like a club.  The peace that He gives is so potent that it thrives where evil would only destroy.  It’s so powerful that evil men would use it for selfish gain.  But God is so good that He would let that power remain so that it can save us sinners.  That truth grants grace not just to look at yourself, but to look at the religion and hope.  Christ came to suffer at the hands of the same kind of men.  He redeemed His church that it would be again a bringer of good news to men.  His mercy is given even where evil would attack it, but His mercy endures and thrives to make a mockery of every terrible plot.  There is bad in the church, but there is God working salvation too. If it is evil, cast it out. If it is of Jesus, cling to it. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Spirit, who didst once restore Thy Church that it might be again The bringer of good news to men, Breathe on Thy cloven Church once more, That in these gray and latter days There may be those whose life is praise, Each life a high doxology To Father, Son, and unto Thee (LSB 834:4)

- Pastor Harrison Goodman is content executive for Higher Things.

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.