Reflections

October 12, 2026

Today's Reading: Genesis 28:10-17

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 11:1-25; Matthew 12:1-21

“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.’ Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.’ And he was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.’” (Genesis 28:15–17)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Imagine this: you’re getting ready to leave church. You put your hymnal back in its place on the back of the pew (or in your bag… plug for personal hymnals here!), get your jacket over one arm, and out of nowhere you hear a voice, booming, saying “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land! For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you!”

Wild right? 

Well, that’s… kind of what happens. 

When you’re in Divine Service, you actually are in the house of God and the gate of Heaven. For wherever Jesus is, that is the house of God. It is the gate of Heaven, for that is the place where your sins are forgiven, and you find a right standing before God. 

And you hear something very similar to God’s words here at the end of the service. Each service ends with a benediction, where the pastor (who is in the stead of God in that place!) speaks words not too different from this, blessing God’s people with the continued promise of his presence and provision. What can we say to that? How about “How awesome is this place!”

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Within the Father’s house The Son has found His home, And to His temple suddenly The Lord of life has come. (LSB 410:1)

Rev. Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Tackle the book of Revelation and discover both the promise and challenge of the end times in this new volume in the Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series. Dive into the wide breadth of information available in the Concordia Commentary series with this new line of Bible studies. Each volume covers one of the Concordia Commentaries to help break up deep, theological content into easy-to-digest sections.

October 11, 2026

Today's Reading: Matthew 9:1-8

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 9:23-10:22; Matthew 11:20-30

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic— ‘Rise, pick up your bed and go home.’” (Matthew 9:6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

What is the thing at the heart of Christianity? People will argue all day (and all night!) about what the beating heart and core of the Christian faith is. How do we find this out? Naturally, we turn to the written word- the Bible, Holy Scripture, the testimony of what God has done and is doing. And naturally, within the Bible, we would want to look specifically at the Gospels during Jesus’ earthly ministry. And when we open those sacred pages, we find… confusion!

The scribes are watching this with a chip on their shoulder. They are constantly out to get Jesus, and they seek here to charge him with blasphemy, a crime that was in those days punishable by death. They will go on to claim that he has made himself out to be God. Of course, the problem with this accusation is this: it’s not blasphemy if you actually are God, which Jesus is! 

And here Jesus says that the issue at the heart of all of this is that sins might be forgiven. And only God can forgive sins. So by forgiving this man’s sins, by assuring him of a good standing before God, Jesus is stating the truth- that he has this authority because He is God in the flesh. This will enrage the scribes and the Pharisees as well, because they have blinded themselves to the truth- that the Messiah has come and is the one whom they see now. 

What’s true for a paralytic on a bed is no less true for you today. Dead in your trespasses, you are carried, week after week, not on a bed but by the prompting of the Holy Spirit to come and receive the medicine of immortality, the thing at the heart of it all: the forgiveness of sins- the forgiveness that’s freely yours, won by Jesus for you. So, dear Christian, glory in the words of Jesus here: “Take heart… your sins are forgiven.” 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty and merciful God, of Your bountiful goodness, keep from us all things that may hurt us that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish whatever You would have us do; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Rev. Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Tackle the book of Revelation and discover both the promise and challenge of the end times in this new volume in the Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series. Dive into the wide breadth of information available in the Concordia Commentary series with this new line of Bible studies. Each volume covers one of the Concordia Commentaries to help break up deep, theological content into easy-to-digest sections.

October 10, 2026

Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 19 - Psalm 78:1-3, 4b; antiphon: Psalm 35:3b; 34:17a, 6b; 48:14a

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 9:1-22; Matthew 11:1-19

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” (Psalm 78:4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Here we have evangelism at its most basic level. We open our mouths and tell of the glorious deeds the Lord has done. Most people tend to be intimidated or overly stressed about sharing their faith. They are not sure exactly what to say. They are afraid of saying the wrong thing or of not having the answers to questions that may be raised. The psalm keeps it simple and natural. You don’t have to come up with your own words or some spectacular story. Just tell of the glorious and mighty deeds of the Lord, the wonders that he has done. 

You have the Scriptures. Let them tell the story. You can start by telling of God’s creation and the Fall and how God made the first gospel promise in Genesis 3:15, and then how he clothed Adam and Eve with the skin of a sacrificed animal. You can recount how God made good on a promise to a childless 75-year-old man and his wife that they would have a son, and that through his family, all the families of the earth would be blessed. Retell the incredible story of Joseph and Moses. How God used them to preserve and then rescue his people out of an impossible situation. So many glorious deeds and wonders the lord has done. 

In the telling of these stories, you are telling the story of Jesus. You are letting the Scriptures preach about Christ. He is the fulfillment of the first gospel promise in Genesis. He is the one who shed his blood to cover our shame. He was born miraculously to save his people and the peoples of the world from their sin. Jesus is the great rescuer who delivered us from our bondage to sin and death. Through his death and resurrection, we are set free and have the promise of the Promised Land in paradise. We have the greatest book on evangelism in the Scriptures, and as we simply tell the story, we are preaching Jesus. 

Of course, you can tell your story too. Tell of the glorious deeds and wonders God has done in your life on account of Jesus. That’s what the demon-possessed man did after Jesus cast a legion of demons out of him. He begged Jesus that he might go with him, but Jesus instead said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” When we stop and think about it, isn’t it amazing how much the Lord has done for us and how he has had mercy on us all? Let’s not hide it, but let’s tell the story. It’s a marvelous one.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

All who confess Christ’s holy name, give God the praise and glory. Let all who know His power proclaim aloud the wondrous story. (LSB 819:5)

Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.

Tackle the book of Revelation and discover both the promise and challenge of the end times in this new volume in the Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series. Dive into the wide breadth of information available in the Concordia Commentary series with this new line of Bible studies. Each volume covers one of the Concordia Commentaries to help break up deep, theological content into easy-to-digest sections.

October 9, 2026

Today's Reading: Matthew 10:24-42

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 8:1-20; Matthew 10:24-42

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

History is full of men and women who fearlessly confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord. They could not deny him. James the Great, one of the twelve disciples who heard these very words of Jesus, was killed by the sword by King Agrippa. Even to this day, those who confess Jesus as Lord are persecuted and put to death. It has been estimated that one in seven Christians face persecution around the world, and twenty-five Christians die for their faith every day. Yet our Lord Jesus says, “do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). That should get our attention!

What does it mean exactly to confess Jesus? First, it means we get Jesus right. We are bold to believe who Jesus is according to the Scriptures, without adding or subtracting from them. So, if we deny Jesus, we also deny the Scriptures. If we deny that Jesus is the Christ, then we deny every promise God made in the Scriptures, “for all the promises of God find their Yes in [Jesus]” (2 Corinthians 1:20). If we deny that the promises of God have been fulfilled in Jesus, then where do we go with our sin? What assurances do we have in the face of death? What are we living for? What are we willing to die for? 

Secondly, to rightly confess Jesus, we need to get his gospel right. Confessing Jesus is not simply admitting who he is, like getting a test answer correct. No, we actually join our voices to John the Baptist and confess, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). We profess what Jesus came to do and what he actually did for us. He came to rescue real sinners who cannot save themselves. We faithfully confess Jesus when we believe in his promises, as outlandish as they may seem. Faith grabs hold and says, Yes, Lord, you’re all I got! How can I deny you? Where will I go? Who else can I trust? 

Confessing Jesus is the Christian life, the daily life. What is there to fear that Jesus has not covered? What is there to be afraid of that Christ has not already promised? Jesus will never deny you. He stands before his Father’s throne pleading his case for you (1 John 2:1). How can we deny him? Don’t hedge your bets, put it all on Jesus. You can’t lose, because he’s already won, and so have you!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. (LSB 575)

Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.

Tackle the book of Revelation and discover both the promise and challenge of the end times in this new volume in the Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series. Dive into the wide breadth of information available in the Concordia Commentary series with this new line of Bible studies. Each volume covers one of the Concordia Commentaries to help break up deep, theological content into easy-to-digest sections.

October 8, 2026

Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of duties: to bishops, pastors and preachers

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 7:1-19; Matthew 10:1-23

“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Your pastor has been given one job – to be a steward of the word of God. That is the task above all others. It is a noble job with great responsibility. It is a humbling job that is not interested in personalities or personal opinions but in the faithful teaching and preaching of God’s word. 

Faithful preaching puts the spotlight on the crucified and risen Son of God. It may not be what people want to hear, but this is the calling and the job description of a faithful pastor: “preach Christ!” The apostle Paul knew the temptations for a pastor to preach what people want to hear or to preach on his latest interest. He writes to Titus and lays it out for him: hold firm to the trustworthy word of God and faithfully hand it over to others. There you have it! 

Paul knew the importance and the value of a good pastor, so he wrote letters to young pastors to encourage them. Luther also knew how vital it was for pastors and preachers not only to know the job but also to carry it out, even in the face of opposition. So, Luther included in the Table of Duties some of the passages of Paul’s letter to pastors for their encouragement. “Hold firm to the trustworthy message!” Watch out for obstacles that could hinder the message. The devil is all about putting roadblocks in the way of God’s word being faithfully proclaimed. The battle is a real one that would cause Paul to write, “We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry” (2 Corinthians 6:3). 

Let us hold firm, my dear Christian, to declare and defend the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us support those who have been called and entrusted as stewards of God’s word. They need our prayers. They need our encouragement. Too many pastors feel alone and have little or no support. As Paul understood the need to build up those called to the ministry of the word, may we also seek ways to build up those called to shepherd the flock of God as undershepherds of the Great Shepherd. This too is a noble task. May our Lord fill all pastors with the resolve of Saint Paul, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O almighty God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, gave to His holy apostles many excellent gifts and commanded them earnestly to feed His flock. Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and the people obedient to follow it that together they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Collect For the Holy Ministry)

Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.

Tackle the book of Revelation and discover both the promise and challenge of the end times in this new volume in the Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series. Dive into the wide breadth of information available in the Concordia Commentary series with this new line of Bible studies. Each volume covers one of the Concordia Commentaries to help break up deep, theological content into easy-to-digest sections.

October 7, 2026

Today's Reading: Matthew 9:18-38

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 6:10-25; Matthew 9:18-38

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

A woman suffering for twelve years from a horrible disease, a dead daughter, two blind men crying out for mercy, a demon-possessed man who could not speak – all healed by Jesus. With just a word and with just a touch, those who suffered incurably were made whole. Just another day in the life and ministry of Jesus as he traveled from city to village, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the gospel, healing every diseased and afflicted person that was brought to him. No wonder there were always crowds around him, hungering for spiritual food and longing for a healing touch. 

Gut-wrenched! Deeply moved with visceral emotion! These words best describe the compassion Jesus had when he saw the crowds gathered around him. Why the agonizing reaction? When Jesus’ eyes looked on the crowds, he saw much more than just their physical needs. They were beaten up and beaten down with no one to defend or care for them. Harassed – being bullied by sin and the Devil. Helpless – being thrown away and dejected with no hope. The Good Shepherd was deeply moved to see sheep in need of a shepherd who did not have one. 

“I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep…declares the Lord God” (Ezekiel 34:15). Our God is not a spectator watching us from the sidelines. No, he gets down in the mud with us. He becomes one of us, so that he may be our shepherd. God’s compassion always moves him to action. For the harassed, Jesus comes with good news of a future life free from the effects of a fallen world. For the helpless, Jesus brings words of hope: God has made the impossible possible. An incurable disease? Helplessly blind? Death? The harassing Devil? No problem. Jesus has come to overcome them all. Your sin? Your guilt? Your shame? No problem, Jesus has dealt with them all. 

The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. That’s exactly what Jesus did for you. He was harassed, bullied, and beaten. He chose to be helpless as he was nailed to a cross and ridiculed for being unable to come down from it. Jesus was so moved with compassion over you, and all who are harassed and helpless against their sin, that it killed him. He took your disease, he took your death, he conquered your grave, so you may live under the care of his loving compassion. He will keep you. He will keep your life. He will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore (Psalm 121).

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Heavenly Father, strengthen me to live this day trusting in your unfailing promises and love for me, all for the sake of Jesus, my Good Shepherd. Amen.

Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.

Tackle the book of Revelation and discover both the promise and challenge of the end times in this new volume in the Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series. Dive into the wide breadth of information available in the Concordia Commentary series with this new line of Bible studies. Each volume covers one of the Concordia Commentaries to help break up deep, theological content into easy-to-digest sections.

October 6, 2026

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:(1-3) 4-9

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 5:22-6:9; Matthew 9:1-17

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Three words. Four syllables. Yet no greater words have been written, nor greater words confessed, “God is faithful.” Our very lives depend on these words. All our hopes are anchored to these words. Every promise of God made to you hangs on these very words, “God is faithful.” What does this mean? Simply put, God’s faithfulness means that God is true to himself and he is true to his Word. Think about all the ways we can describe God’s character; he is holy, just, good, unchanging, eternal, wise, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present. He is loving, kind, patient, merciful, and gracious. This is who God is, and because he is faithful, he will always act accordingly. This means he is trustworthy, and when faith trusts God to be true to who he is, our faith will never disappoint or be put to shame. 

God is not only true to himself, but he is true to his word. This means when God makes a promise, he will keep it. He will never go back on his word. He will never change his mind. He will never over-promise, making promises he can’t keep. This is why God’s word is a rock we can confidently stand upon, and a shelter to find safety. It is an anchor to hold us in the storms of our lives, and a surrounding shield to protect us. His faithful word is like a compass that leads us, even if we can’t see what is ahead of us. His word is truly a light upon our path and a lamp to our feet. 

Because God is true to himself and true to his words, he calls you to wholeheartedly trust in him – he will never let you down. 

But what about when we let God down? What about when we are unfaithful? Is God still faithful, even then? Oh yes! A thousand times, yes! Our unfaithfulness does not cancel out God’s faithfulness. This is the wonderful, beautiful, mind-blowing truth and gift of God’s faithfulness. “If we are faithless, he remains faithful” (2 Timothy 2:13). This means his forgiveness is never-ending for you. If we confess our sins, remember what God promises? He is “faithful” to forgive you and cleanse you from all of your unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). 

You have been called by God, called by his gospel. And in his gospel promises, he will keep you, because he is true to his word. So, when you find yourself beginning to question God’s love for you or his forgiveness for you. When doubts flood your mind or challenge what has been promised to you, remember God is faithful. He has called you, and he will keep you.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me (LSB 809)

Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.

Tackle the book of Revelation and discover both the promise and challenge of the end times in this new volume in the Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series. Dive into the wide breadth of information available in the Concordia Commentary series with this new line of Bible studies. Each volume covers one of the Concordia Commentaries to help break up deep, theological content into easy-to-digest sections.

October 5, 2026

Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-21

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Matthew 8:18-34

“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.” (Deuteronomy 10:17)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God has made it pretty clear what he requires of his people. What does the Lord require of you? To fear him, to walk in his ways, to love him, to serve him with all of your heart and soul. This is not a suggestion. This is what God demands. But there is a promise behind these demands; if you do these, you will live. We all want to live, don’t we? God has given you the requirements, so what are you waiting for? 

We’ve all done it, innocently or not. When there is something we want that we can’t have, or when we desire something we don’t deserve, there’s always bargaining – making a deal to get what we want. It might involve a fair trade: “I’ll give you my brownie for your slice of apple pie.” It could be an unfair trade taking advantage of someone: “I know you are desperate for money; I’ll give you 20 dollars for your guitar.” Or it can be downright devious, like a bribe: “Give me your bike, and I won’t tell what you did.” That’s our old sinner at work, attempting to get something we don’t deserve or haven’t earned by using persuasion or coercion. 

We try bargaining with God, too. “God, if you give me this, I’ll do this for you.” How often have those words crept into our prayers? Bargaining with God easily can slip into bribing God, usually with our “good works.” God owes me, we think. I’ve sacrificed, I’ve been really good about going to church, having my devotions, helping those in need – now it’s your turn, God, I deserve your favor. What we are really asking is for God to give us what we think we deserve because we’ve earned it, but have we? He’s been pretty clear about what he requires of us, and if we’re honest, we’ve fallen way short. At best, we’ve fallen into unfair trading with God; at worst, we are guilty of attempting to bribe the God of gods and Lord of lords. 

God takes no bribes. But God is into trading, and it’s not fair trading either. God himself took on our human flesh and lived the life that fulfilled all he has required of you, in Jesus. Jesus says to you, “Let’s make a trade.” I’ll take all your shortcomings and lawbreaking that deserve God’s condemnation. I’ll take your punishment and die your death. In exchange, I’ll give you my perfect righteousness that gives you the riches of heaven and God’s eternal favor. Now that’s a deal! And it’s yours in Christ!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

As by one man all mankind fell and, born in sin, was doomed to hell, so by one Man, who took our place, we all are justified by grace (LSB 562:5)

Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.

Tackle the book of Revelation and discover both the promise and challenge of the end times in this new volume in the Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series. Dive into the wide breadth of information available in the Concordia Commentary series with this new line of Bible studies. Each volume covers one of the Concordia Commentaries to help break up deep, theological content into easy-to-digest sections.

October 4, 2026

Today's Reading: Matthew 22:34-46

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 4:21-40; Matthew 8:1-17

“‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.’” (Matthew 22:36-28)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“Jesus, tell us, which is the great commandment in the Law?” Who’s asking and why? The question comes from a so-called “expert” in the Law, he’s a lawyer from the Pharisees. Why does he ask? Is he testing Jesus to see if he remembers what he was taught in his Torah classes? Or is the question digging at something deeper? Is the lawyer trying to satisfy Old Adam’s attempt at keeping laws to gain God’s approval? “Give me the greatest law, Jesus, and I’ll focus on keeping that!” Boil all the commandments down to one; surely, I can keep one, right? 

Can you hear it? The voice of Old Sinner wants to prove himself to God. “Give me the greatest commandment, and if I can keep that one, the rest should be easy.” Oh, how we all love to turn the law into a ladder. Each rung, each step, is a step closer to God. We are wired to think this way. Man-made religions are built to operate this way. Give me a list, give me something to do, give me a ladder to climb, and with a determined will, up we go. The problem is, if we take Jesus at his word, we can’t even get off the ground. If the first step up the ladder to heaven is the “great commandment,” who are we kidding? 

Why is loving “God with all of our heart and with all of our soul and with all of our mind” such an insurmountable step? The simple answer is that our hearts, souls, and minds are diseased by sin. Not only do we not want to love God in such an all-encompassing way, but we also can’t. Our love is naturally bent inward on ourselves. We love ourselves above God and above others. That’s the hard facts. The truth is, the only way forward is going to require a death. Our old self must die. Who wants to do that? 

The one who answered that lawyer’s question is also the one who came to die. Jesus came down from heaven, knowing you could not climb up. God has first loved you, so now in Christ, you may freely love him back - not to earn anything from God or climb some ladder, but to live as one loved by Jesus. Faith can’t help but love him back, and that love is well-pleasing to God.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Come to the cross, trust Christ, and live; The Law no peace can ever give (LSB 555:8)

Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.

Tackle the book of Revelation and discover both the promise and challenge of the end times in this new volume in the Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series. Dive into the wide breadth of information available in the Concordia Commentary series with this new line of Bible studies. Each volume covers one of the Concordia Commentaries to help break up deep, theological content into easy-to-digest sections.

October 3, 2026

Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 18 - Psalm 122:1, 6, 8-9; antiphon: Liturgical Text

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 4:1-20; Matthew 7:13-29

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” (Psalm 122:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

As we come to the end of a week reflecting on God’s Word regarding the virtue of humility, we can’t forget the time where we receive from the Giver of every good Gift. 

What do you spend time doing? You might watch a game, read a book, take a walk, or talk to friends and family. With any of these activities, you’re choosing how to spend your time. The game is important to you, so you focus on it. You could do something else, but you’ve chosen to watch the game. Then, how annoying is it when something else interrupts your time? We get frustrated or angry when we’ve sat down to spend our time, and someone else “gets in the way.” Why? Pride, most often. 

Sinfully, we don’t recognize that our time belongs to God. Instead, we see it as our time, and we choose how to spend it. We feel robbed when someone takes up our time! But every moment, each minute, heartbeat to heartbeat, is a Gift of God. You and I don’t deserve a single minute, but God has blessed me, and God has surely blessed you. You receive from God the opportunities to enjoy His creation. God gives you the breath you need to enjoy a walk, speak with family and friends, or even to find joy in great stories. God is the Giver of all good Gifts. He’s given you the Gift of time, the moments and minutes you spend in His marvelous world.

Humility recognizes time as a gift. Taking time to go to the house of the Lord is not some sort of “break” from your “real time” in the world. Rather, our time in the House of the Lord is some of the best time we have in the world. His House is where you go to hear God’s Word read, prayed, and preached. God’s House is where you remember you are a creature who has received the blessed Gift of the forgiveness of sins through the Gospel of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Christ’s Church is where you were baptized, catechized, and where the food of faith is given as God has stepped into time to feed your soul. We are mere beggars before such a gracious God, but His doors are open and He wants you to come and hear the Word, be forgiven, and enjoy here in time what you’ll enjoy forever in a world without end. Humility reminds you how God who is over all, is the Giver of every good Gift. So let us go to the house of the Lord.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“The Lord, my God, be praised, My trust, my life from heaven, The Father's own dear Son, Whose life for me was given, Who for my sin atoned With His most precious blood And gives to me by faith The highest heav'nly good.” (LSB 794:2)

Rev. Miguel Gonzalez-Feliciano, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Klinger and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Readlyn, IA.

Tackle the book of Revelation and discover both the promise and challenge of the end times in this new volume in the Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series. Dive into the wide breadth of information available in the Concordia Commentary series with this new line of Bible studies. Each volume covers one of the Concordia Commentaries to help break up deep, theological content into easy-to-digest sections.