Reflections

January 30, 2024 

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 9:1-17; 2 Timothy 2:1-26

But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. (1 Corinthians 8:3)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When St Paul writes about food, his concern isn’t about nutritional value or about a diet program or about balancing enough protein to build muscle.  Paul’s concern is spiritual. When he talks about eating, especially eating meat, he’s referring to meat that has been offered as a sacrifice to an idol at a temple of a false god. Those temples would sell some of the meat from the animals that were killed in those sacrifices. If someone knew where the meat that a Christian was eating came from, they might think that Christian didn’t have a problem with worshiping a false god.  

Idols aren’t anything more than wood or stone. Paul refers to them as “so-called gods.”  But what people didn’t know - that these idols aren’t real - could hurt them.  Believing in those idols of wood and stone leads people away from faith in Jesus Christ, and God forbids idolatry. It’s possible that someone might think that a Christian eating meat sacrificed to idols would be participating in worshiping that idol and that idolatry isn’t a big deal.  

That’s why Paul instructs Christians to be careful not to cause offense by eating meat sacrificed by idols.  This is an act of love for fellow Christians. But the meat that you eat doesn’t separate you from God, just like the food that you eat won’t commend you to God. Sinning against your brother by damaging their faith is a big deal.  

This continues to be an issue in the Church today, even when the issue is no longer buying meat from the butcher shop of false gods. The music that you listen to, the TV you watch, the video games you play, the fashion sense you have and more are all similar to the meat sacrificed to idols. You are free in Christ, but do not abuse that freedom.  Do not harm your fellow Christians with that freedom. Treat them in love, because they are people for whom Jesus died.

When you start to think about the ways that you have caused hurt by not being sensitive to your fellow Christians, remember that God loves you. “If anyone loves God, he is known by God.”  The One who knows you doesn’t act against you in anger, but for you in love. Trust that the Lord is good, and He brings His love to you, even as He calls you to love those around you that He loves by being sensitive to their faith. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

As we worship, grant us vision, Till Your love’s revealing light  In its height and depth and greatness, Dawns upon our quickened sight,  Making known the needs and burdens Your compassion bids us bear, Stirring us to tireless striving, Your abundant life to share. (LSB 838:3)

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

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

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.

January 29, 2024 

Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 8:1-23; 2 Timothy 1:1-18

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen— just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ (Deuteronomy 18:15-16)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Lord God has the authority of life and death. That was made clear in yesterday’s reading when Jesus cast the unclean spirit out of the possessed man. But that incident was not the first time the Lord declared that He has that authority. When the Lord appeared to His people at Mount Horeb (that’s the same as Mount Sinai), they were afraid and didn’t want to speak directly with God so they wouldn’t be judged and die. The people spoke to Moses and sent him to speak to God. There at Mount Horeb, he served as their representative before God, their intermediary. He stood between God and God’s people.

Later, Moses gave the Lord’s promise to His people that He would raise up another prophet like him.  Another intermediary, another representative would come. But this representative is God Himself.  He doesn’t stand on the top of Mount Horeb, but was crucified on the top of Mount Calvary. There, at the place of death, the Lord Jesus takes that place of death and life.  His death wasn’t permanent, but it was still very real. In His suffering and death, Jesus ensured that you no longer need to fear the Lord’s judgment because He submitted to judgment on your behalf.  He delivers to you the forgiveness of your sins.  Jesus stands in the midst of death and life because He has the authority to bring life to those who should die for their sins, including you.

St Paul teaches that Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy that one would arise like Moses in 1 Timothy 2:5-6, where he writes, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”  Jesus is indeed that mediator, and He is also at the ransom for your sins. The Lord has spoken to you.  He calls you to repent of your sin, and He declares that He has forgiven you. Believe in that Lord, your one Mediator, Jesus Christ.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Christ, the way that leads unfailing  To the Father’s home on high,  Christ, the truth that frees the captive, Christ, the life that cannot die. Mediator to the Father, Sacrifice and great High Priest:  Lead us to Your heav’nly mansions,  There to share Your wedding feast. (LSB 540:5)

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

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

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.

January 28, 2024  

Today's Reading: Mark 1:21-28

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah. 6:1-7:14; Romans 16:17-27

And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”  (Mark 1:23-24)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The man possessed by an unclean spirit had an interesting greeting for Jesus. “What have you to do with us?” You might greet people like that sometimes too. When someone comes who seems to be interfering in your plans, you might say, “What are you doing here?” The unclean spirit wants to know why Jesus is interfering in this synagogue on this day. Apparently, the unclean spirit thought He could do whatever he wanted at the synagogue, but Jesus interrupted his plans.  

So, what does Jesus have to do with unclean spirits? He throws them out! He interrupts their plans!  Jesus sets the rules, and He casts out unclean spirits. Jesus comes to set this possessed man free with His power and authority. That’s a shocking action for the people in that synagogue. Not everyone works with that kind of authority. Jesus has unique, powerful authority.

But the question of “What have you to do with us?” isn’t just the question of a possessed man. It’s our question, too. What does Jesus have to do with us, who gather and confess our sins?  We admit that we are poor, miserable sinners. We deserve God’s wrath and punishment for our sin. When Jesus draws near to us, we should be very afraid!  The One with Divine authority has every right to judge us for our sinfulness. But Jesus doesn’t come to bring His judgment against us.  Instead, He sets us free from sin and death and the power of the devil.  He comes with His grace and His forgiveness.

This work of Jesus interrupts our sinful lives and transforms us into His saints. He washes us clean in the water of Holy Baptism, He speaks our forgiveness in the words of Holy Absolution, He instructs us in the Holy Scriptures, and He feeds us His own body and blood in Holy Communion. He brings holiness to us.  He Himself is the source of that holiness and He is the One who wants everything to do with us because of His great love. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

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

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.

January 27, 2024 

Today's Reading: Introit for Epiphany 4

Daily Lectionary:Zechariah 4:1-5:11; Romans 15:14-33

Many are the sorrows of the wicked,

 but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.

Blessèd is the one whose transgression is forgiven,

 whose sin is covered.

Blessèd is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,

 and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity;

 I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;

 surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.

You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble;

 you surround me with shouts of deliverance.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning,

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Many are the sorrows of the wicked,

 but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. (Introit for Epiphany 4, Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7, 10)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. You are blessed! Your blessedness isn’t seen in your material possessions or your fantastic mood or even by your hashtags on social media. Your blessedness comes because your transgression is forgiven and your sin is covered. There is a lot of pressure on trying to impress people around you with showing how you are blessed and how wonderful your life is. The Lord doesn’t care about those social norms. The Lord cares by bringing you His blessings, especially in the forgiveness of your sins.

The practice of confessing sins before God and other people seems backwards to our understanding of showing how blessed we are. Human wisdom says that you keep your mistakes, your errors, and your sins to yourself and show others only the very best things that you do. Psalm 32 encourages you to confess your sins before God and admit them as you receive His forgiveness. When you confess your sins, you aren’t telling God anything new. The all-knowing Lord of all creation already knows your sins.  Confess these sins of yours to your merciful Father who is faithful to forgive those sins.  

To accomplish that forgiveness, He has sent His one and only Son into the world to die on the cross to save you from your sins. That is where your blessedness comes from - the forgiveness won by Jesus Christ.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all and frees us  From the accursèd load. I bring my guilt to Jesus  To wash my crimson stains  Clean in His blood most precious  Till not a spot remains.  (LSB 606:1)

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

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

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.

January 26, 2024 

Today's Reading: Luke 10:1-9

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Romans 15:1-13

And [Jesus] said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Today is another festival. Much like Wednesday, this festival commemorates a pastor who was put in place by St. Paul. As we thank God for the faith and work of St. Titus, we hear about the realities of living in the Church. While many things change, the words of Jesus to His disciples are steadfast and true no matter the year printed on the calendar. Jesus calls His disciples and the whole Church to pray that God would send workers into His harvest field. This is most clearly seen as the Lord uses pastors in His Church, including St Titus. The Lord has established this pastoral office.  Therefore, this is no human institution. The Lord sends pastors into His Church so that His Word is preached and the forgiveness of sins is made known.  

That’s really important because the Church lives as lambs in the middle of wolves. (Matthew 10:3)  The other readings for the festival of St. Titus (Acts 20:28-35 and Titus 1:1-9) confess the reality that the Church lives in the middle of the world’s attacks. Pastors serve in Christ’s Church, even when the Church isn’t popular or liked. These undershepherds of the Good Shepherd serve to lead the Church in the midst of wolves.  

Pastors are also called to be an example to the Church in faith and in contentment. Jesus commanded His disciples to remain in the home where they were welcomed, not looking for a better meal or a more comfortable bed. They were to remain where they were, serving faithfully. The whole Church needs that reminder to be content with what the Lord provides. He is the One who is faithful and who provides all that we need to support this body and life. We don’t chase more contentment, but enjoy the gifts of God, knowing that he gives what is needed. When Jesus tells His disciples not to go looking for better places to stay or better accommodations, He is commanding them not to covet. The Lord who provides daily bread for the righteous and the wicked is the One who cares for His disciples and who cares for you.  

On this day, it’s easy to think about the calling that God gives to pastors. That is a wonderful calling, and it is for your benefit. However, if you aren’t a pastor, this is also a day to rejoice in the promises of God for you. He is the One who cares for you by filling your daily needs. He brings His kingdom to you, and He even sends you a pastor to announce His grace for you.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, You called Titus to the work of pastor and teacher. Make all shepherds of Your flock diligent in preaching Your holy Word so that the whole world may know the immeasurable riches of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

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

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.

January 25, 2024 

Today's Reading: Acts 9:1-22

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 1:1-21; Romans 14:1-23

And immediately [Paul] proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. (Acts 9:20-22)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Things don’t always go the way you planned. Sometimes, interruptions happen. Saul’s life was interrupted, not by mere circumstances or a small change of plans. The Lord Jesus interrupted Saul’s day, Saul’s trip to Damascus, Saul’s life, and Saul’s eternity. This is no ordinary interruption, but the work of Jesus to convert Saul from a life of unbelief to a life of faith in Jesus. When Jesus appeared to Saul, He had a question, “Why do you persecute Me?” Saul’s question, “Who are you, lord?” implied that he did not know or recognize Jesus. But Jesus changed that, calling Saul to faith and even using him as a chosen instrument to bring the Gospel to people all over the world.

Saul’s conversion says something about how Christians are made, then and now. Christians become Christians when God interrupts their lives and calls them to faith. This is God’s Divine action, not something that any person can do for themselves. Saul didn’t ask Jesus to come visit him on the Damascus road.  Saul didn’t seek Jesus out. Saul didn’t consider that Jesus might be an option in fixing his problems, so he would give this Christianity idea a try.  No, the Lord came to Saul and called him from unbelief to faith.

That’s the same thing that the Lord has done for you, calling you out of the darkness of unbelief into faith in Jesus, who is the Light of the World. God’s conversion of you might not have the same kind of shocking story of Saul’s conversion. However, comparing conversion stories and the transformation that God has worked for you compared to others isn’t the measuring stick that the Lord reveals.  Instead, it is the promise of eternal life by the grace of Jesus. That grace was applied to you the same way it was applied to Saul - in the water of Holy Baptism.  There, with His Triune name, God called you His own and applied the death and resurrection of Jesus to you.

Martin Luther points this out clearly in the Small Catechism, saying, “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.”  This interruption and change of course for your eternal life is the work of God for your good! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, You turned the heart of him who persecuted the Church and by his preaching caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world. Grant us ever to rejoice in the saving light of Your Gospel and, following the example of the apostle Paul, to spread it to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

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

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.

January 24, 2024 

Today's Reading: Matthew 24:42-47

Daily Lectionary:Joel 3:1-21; Romans 12:14-13:14

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.” (Matthew 24:45-47)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In these passages, Jesus is teaching about the end times. Specifically, He is instructing Christians to care for one another and encourage one another in the faith. We can rejoice that we can do that for each other in our vocations. We can also be grateful for men whom God has called as pastors.St Timothy is a faithful and wise servant of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  St Paul and the council of elders laid their hands on Timothy, ordaining him to serve in Christ’s Church as a pastor. (1 Timothy 4:14)  Paul’s letters of 1 and 2 Timothy are addressed to this new pastor who was faithfully serving in the Lord’s Church. These books are full of expectations for pastors, as well as expectations for all Christians in general, and divinely-inspired commands for how to live as a Christian in this world.

“But,” you might say, “I’m not a pastor, and I’m never going to be a pastor!  What does St Timothy and the books addressed to him have to do with me?”  These words of God addressed to Timothy also apply to you.  You are a servant of God, no matter what calling you have.  When the Lord called you to faith in the waters of Baptism, He called you to take up your cross and follow Him, no matter what specific callings you have.  The example of St TImothy and the words addressed to him in Scripture are insightful for you.  

St Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:12 certainly apply to Pastor TImothy, but they also apply to all who are called to faith, including you.  These words, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity,” call you to live as an example in how you speak, how you act, how you believe, how you love, and in your purity.  Live as the child of God that He has made you through His Baptism.  

St Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is also helpful for you to hear.  It says, “ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  God has given you Scripture so that you read it, hear it, and take it to heart.  It is through His inspired Word that the Lord forms you, making you complete for His work.  

Today, as the Church remembers St. Timothy, rejoice that the Lord has called pastors in His Church.  Rejoice also that the Lord has sent His Scriptures to train all Christians, including you, in His Word.  Finally, thank God for the gift of salvation that you share with TImothy so that you and he are the Lord’s blessed servants in His kingdom, now and forever.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, You have always given to Your Church on earth faithful shepherds such as Timothy to guide and feed Your flock. Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and administer Your means of grace, and grant Your people wisdom to follow in the way that leads to life eternal; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

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

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.

January 23, 2024 

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-35

Daily Lectionary: Joel 2:18-32; Romans 11:25-12:13

This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods,and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.I want you to be free from anxieties.  (1 Corinthians 7:29-32a)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. What are your priorities? What is most important to you?  Is it your friends, or sports, or friends?  Maybe it's good grades, peace and quiet, or being liked by others.  There are lots of things that might compete for your attention as you have a variety of competing priorities. So, out of your priorities, which one or ones always rise to the top?  Recognizing all these priorities, especially as it relates to if single people should get married or not, St. Paul writes to the Corinthians.  He points out that anxieties betray priorities. Are you worried about your grades?  If you’re worried about it, that means it’s important to you.

Paul writes that being married changes your priorities.  Well, duh!  Going back to school after Christmas break changes your priorities too. Any change in life changes what you prioritize. St. Paul points out that a Christian’s priority should be about the things of the Lord. This reminds us of the first commandment:  You shall have no other gods. As the Small Catechism helpfully explains, this means that we should fear, love, and trust in God above all things. That means that if something else takes priority over God, you have sinned.  And it’s obvious that you have broken this commandment. Repent. Turn from your sin. Receive the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Set your attention on the Lord.

But what about getting married or doing anything else that would change your priorities?  Set your attention on the Lord and His will. Live a life full of repentance and faith. Believe that the Lord’s forgiveness for all your sins, including your divided attention, is enough. And it is, because God’s grace is always enough.  It is that grace that covers all your sins and sustains you every day.  He is the author and perfecter of your faith, and He is faithful to forgive all your sins. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Christ be my Leader by night as by day;  Safe through the darkness, for He is the way. Gladly I follow, my future His care,  Darkness is daylight when Jesus is there. (LSB 861:1)

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

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

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.

January 22, 2024 

Today's Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Daily Lectionary: Joel 2:1-17; Romans 11:1-24

When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. (Jonah 3:10)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Is that a threat or a promise?” is an appropriate response to the message the Lord sent to Nineveh through His prophet Jonah.  “Forty days and Nineveh will be destroyed!”  For Jonah, this was a promise. The Ninevehites were the enemy of the Lord’s people in Judah, and their demise would be good news for the Lord’s people.  On the other hand, the people of Nineveh took these words as a threat, and they repented of their great evil.  From the greatest of the least of the people of Nineveh, they covered themselves and even their animals in sackcloth. They also fasted during this time of repentance. They took the Lord’s word of judgment seriously.  The Lord relented from the threat.  The destruction that He threatened was canceled. The serious threat of God’s judgment was not carried out.  The Lord revealed His goodness by not destroying Nineveh.

What about you? When you hear the severity of the Lord’s judgment against your sinfulness, do you take it seriously?  You might try to rationalize your sin, arguing that it’s not that bad and it’s not really hurting anyone.  You might protest that what Scripture calls sinful shouldn’t really be sinful. After all, your logic might go, the Scriptures were written many years ago and the times have changed. No matter how you might protest against the Lord’s judgment, you should fear His wrath.  The holy God does not tolerate your sinfulness. Psalm 5:4-5 says, “For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all evildoers.” Those are harsh words that show the severity of the Lord’s judgment against sin. There is no wiggle room in God’s expectations.  That’s a threat indeed!

Even your repentance is imperfect. Even when you repent from your sin, it’s not perfect.  Sometimes mistakes continue to happen and you return to your sin. You cannot live a perfect life, no matter how hard you try.  It seems like the Lord’s threat is still hanging over your head. That is why He sent His one and only Son into the flesh. Jesus Christ died for you, and all who believe in Him are saved. The Lord didn’t cancel His threatening judgment, but Jesus, who knew no sin, became your sin so that you have the righteousness of God.  (2 Corinthians 5:21)  

There, on the cross, you see the threat answered by the promise of God’s mercy and love for you. You are forgiven by your gracious God in His care for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Though great our sins, yet greater still  Is God’s abundant favor;  His hand of mercy never will Abandon us, nor waver. Our shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free From all their sin and sorrow. (LSB 607:5)

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

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

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.

January 21, 2024 

Today's Reading: Mark 1:14-20

Daily Lectionary: Joel 1:1-20; Romans 10:1-21

And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. What does it mean to be a “fisher of men?” Certainly, Jesus doesn’t call Simon (later called Peter) and Andrew to wrap people up in nets or to put hooks in anyone’s mouth. This figure of speech shows that Jesus will turn ordinary fishermen into something else.  Now, these fishermen will spend their time “catching” people. That sounds manipulative. Perhaps “catching” is better understood as teaching or confessing to people. Evangelizing (the Greek word for “Gospelizing”) is another good understanding. No longer would fish be the focus of these men, but the faith delivered to God’s saints.

It’s easy to start thinking about how these men, and even you, would be fishers of men and how you might do it better. But the way that Jesus speaks to the disciples is really, really important.  Jesus said, “I will make you become fishers of men.” This work of teaching, confessing, and evangelizing isn’t about your skills and abilities. This is not something that you develop in yourself. This way of life, being a fisher of men, is something that Jesus does for you.  You don’t need to worry about improving your skills as you fish for people, but you simply hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

Jesus brings His gospel to you, speaking into your ears the forgiveness of sins. It’s for you, today, as you attend the Divine Service. Jesus comes to you, probably not in a boat, but in a sanctuary. He calls you away from your sinfulness to the holiness that He provides. He gives you that holiness through His forgiveness when you hear it in the absolution and the sermon and when you receive His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. There, He develops you to be a fisher of men. When you confess the Creed with your fellow Christians, you are practicing the “fisher of men” skills that Jesus is developing in you.

Confessing your faith can be scary. Christians sometimes worry that their skills aren’t good enough or that they won’t know what to say or that someone won’t be impressed with how they speak about Jesus.  Those fears often focus on you and how you confess the faith. Instead of self-centeredness, focus on Jesus. He is the one who comes to you to make you a fisher of men. He is the one who has transformed you, not just from a fisherman to a fisher-of-men, but from a sinner to one of His beloved saints - and that makes all the difference!  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

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

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.