Reflections

December 2, 2023

Today's Reading: Introit For Advent 1: Psalm 25:1-3; antiphon Zechariah 9:9b, alt

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 29:1-19, Matthew 26:36-56

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!

Behold, your king is coming to you;  and having salvation is he,

humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Tomorrow begins the season of Advent. A season of waiting, preparation, repentance, and hope in Christ who came in the flesh, comes in His Word and Sacraments, and promises to come again. Tomorrow we hear how Jesus fulfills the words of his prophet Zechariah as He rides into Jerusalem amidst palms and praises. Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humbled and mounted on a donkey. Tomorrow we hear the Palm Sunday word ringing in the new church year as Advent begins the same Holy Week begins, with shouts of Hosanna!

Hosanna is the perfect word to sing as Advent begins. Hosanna means, “Lord, save us.” Jesus came to do his Hosanna work, to seek and to save the lost. 

This is what God  has always done. He is the God of Hosanna. The God who saves. When the people of Israel cried out to God in the days of Moses for rescue from slavery in Egypt, God heard their cry of Hosanna, Lord, save us. And he did. God saved them from death by the blood of the Lamb. God saved them from Egypt through the waters of the Red Sea. God saved them by dwelling among them in the cloud and pillar of fire in the tabernacle.

In Zechariah’s day, when the people of God, once again, cried out for rescue. They had spent seventy years in Babylon. They were returning from exile. The temple and walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. Would God save us as he promised? Would God make his advent as he said? Will God hear our Hosannas? Yes, foretold the prophet Zechariah. Behold, your king is coming to you.

Centuries later, the king Zechariah foretold finally arrived. God heard the Hosanna cries of his people. God made his Advent in the wood of the manger and the cross.. God became man to be present with and save his people, and to save you.

In Advent, Jesus brings his Hosanna to you. He came in the flesh to save you. He comes in His Word, water, body and blood to save you. He promises to come again on the Last Day and save you. In Advent we celebrate and remember Christ’s first Advent in the flesh, confident that because He died and rose again, He will make His Second advent in glory. And until that day, our King Jesus still saves you and promises to be with you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

A humble beast He rides, Yet as a King presides; Though not arrayed in splendor, He makes the grave surrender. Hosanna, praise and glory! Our King, we bow before Thee. (LSB 335:3)

-Pastor Samuel Schuldheisz is pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

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.

December 1, 2023

Today's Reading: 

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 26:1-19, Matthew 26:20-35

“Take, eat; this is my body.”  And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:26-28)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. It’s one thing to make a promise, that’s easy. Plenty of people make promises.  It’s another thing to make a promise and keep it; that’s the hard part. And yet that’s exactly what God does over and over again in His Word. God makes promises and God keeps His promises. 

Israel was hungry in the wilderness, God promised to feed them, and God sent manna and quail. God warned His people Israel that their sin of idolatry would lead to exile, and yet, He promised that they would return from exile in Babylon, and God kept his promise. God promised Adam and Eve that there would be a child born of the woman who would crush the devil, and He kept that promise by sending Jesus to live, die, and rise for us.

One of the ways God makes and keeps his promises is by making a covenant with his people. A covenant is God’s promise to do what He says, to keep His word. When God establishes a covenant with His people He is the one who initiates it, sustains it, and fulfills it. Left on our own, we break promises all the time, just like Israel broke God’s covenant of Sinai over and over again. This is why God makes his covenant with us and He keeps it.

This is the way it was for Noah and all creation when God made His covenant never again to flood the earth and put a bow in the sky. And for Abraham when God made His covenant with him that all nations on the earth would be blessed through him. And for David when God made a covenant with him that even though David would die, there would be a ruler who would come from his descendants who would reign forever. 

Jesus comes as the promise maker and promise keeper all in one. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is proof that God keeps His promises. Jesus promised to die and rise on the third day, and He did for you. Jesus promises on the night when He was betrayed that the bread in Holy Communion is His body, and the cup of wine is the blood of His covenant, His promise poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. No wonder St. Paul says that all of God’s promises are yes in Jesus. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Glory be to Jesus, Who in bitter pains. Poured for me His lifeblood From His sacred veins. Grace and life eternal in that blood I find; Blest be His compassion, Infinitely kind. (LSB 433:1-2)

-Pastor Samuel Schuldheisz is pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

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.

November 30, 2023

Today's Reading: John 1:35-42a

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 25:1-18, Matthew 26:1-19

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:35-36)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In one sentence, John tells us everything we need to know about Jesus….everything we need to know about our life in Christ as his church, as his children. 

John’s confession is what separates Christianity from all the world’s religions. God is “beholdable.” He is approachable, knowable, tangible. Men saw Jesus, heard him, touched him, ate with him. Jesus didn’t live in “never-land" or “once upon a time” or “in a galaxy far, far away.” He was born in the days of Caesar Augustus. Crucified under Pontius Pilate. 

John’s confession is remarkable. When John stands in the wilderness and points to Jesus saying, “Behold, the Lamb!” he’s pointing to God in human flesh. God with a human face. God who is truly bone of your bone and flesh of your flesh.

Behold, the Lamb of God. In the Scriptures, a Lamb means sacrifice. Sacrifice is God’s way of covering our sin and guilt. Sacrifice is God’s way of taking our death and giving us life in exchange. A substitute. A life for a life. The innocent for the guilty.

As John cries out, “Behold, the Lamb!” three OT events come to mind. After the fall, God clothed Adam and Eve’s nakedness and shame. And God did this with animal skins. Seems ordinary enough, but where did those skins come from? That’s right…sacrifice. A substitute. A life for a life. The innocent for the guilty. 

Then there’s Abraham and Isaac. “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” And as they hiked up the mountain, Isaac said to Abraham, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” And he did. The Lord provided. 

Finally, we can’t forget the Passover lamb. The Lamb would die. A sacrifice. Substitute. A life for a life. The innocent for the guilty. Guilt covered. Sins forgiven and atoned for. Blood covered the doorpost. And Israel ate the flesh of the Lamb who was slain for them.

All of Old Testament history – the tabernacle and temple – all of it is soaked in sacrificial blood. And it is all a blessed reminder of John’s words that Jesus is the Lamb of God whose blood cleanses us from all sin. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lamb of God, pure and holy, Who on the cross didst suffer, Ever patient and lowly, Thyself to scorn didst offer. All sins Thou borest for us, Else had despair reigned o’er us. Have mercy on us, O Jesus! O Jesus! (LSB 434:1)

-Pastor Samuel Schuldheisz is pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

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.

November 29, 2023

Today's Reading: Luther's Small Catechism: The Sacrament Part 2

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 23:21-40, Matthew 25:31-46

What is the benefit of this eating and drinking? These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins there is also life and salvation. (Explanation of the Sacrament of the Altar, part 2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Lord God is the original Iron Chef. From beginning to end, and many places in between, when God serves up his blessings in Holy Scripture, course after course often involves food. 

When God created the heavens and the earth he gave Adam and Eve access to a fruit and vegetable buffet line, until, of course, they sinfully chose to pick and eat something off the menu. 

When the people of Israel were in bondage and slavery in Egypt, God provided a holy meal of bitter herbs, unleavened bread, and roasted lamb as the Passover meal. Central at that meal was the lamb who was sacrificed, whose blood covered their doorposts, and who’s life was given to spare the life of Israel, that death would Passover them.

When the prophet Elijah was hiding in a cave the Lord sent ravens to feed and nourish and strengthen him for his prophetic task.

When the prophet Isaiah was called by God to preach and foretell the coming work of the Messiah, Isaiah dished up a plate of good news. When the Messiah came there would be a feast of rich foods and fine wine and a mountain top where he would destroy death (Isaiah 25).

From Genesis to Revelation, God often pairs his blessing and provision with his gifts of daily bread. So it;s no surprise that when we come to the New Testament, God incarnate is also the Top Chef of Salvation, serving up his forgiveness, life, and salvation, alongside food and table. 

Jesus is well known in the Gospels for eating and drinking with sinners, like Zacceus the tax collector. In Divine Service, our Lord Jesus does the same for us. Today salvation has come to your house! Jesus feeds the crowds on more than one occasion, revealing that he is the Shepherd-Messiah who has come to feed his lost sheep in the abundance of his grace. Many of Jesus’ parables result in or revolve around a feast.

All of these food and feast events are like appetizers, leading up to the main course in Matthew 26 on the night when Jesus is betrayed. When Jesus took the bread and said, “Take, eat; this is my body given for you. Take, drink; this is my blood of the new covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The gifts are in the feast, Gifts far more than we see; Beneath the bread and wine Is food from Calvary. The body and the blood Remove our ev’ry sin; We leave His presence in His peace, renewed again. (LSB 602:5)

-Pastor Samuel Schuldheisz is pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

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.

November 28, 2023

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 23:1-20, Matthew 25:14-30

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:22)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In Today’s reading from 1 Corinthians 15, St. Paul tells us a tale of two Adams. The man Adam, formed by God from the dust of creation. And the God-man, Jesus, the Second Adam, begotten of His Father before all worlds. The first Adam was formed by God into a man. The Second Adam is not only true man, but also true God. 

In the Garden, Adam was tempted three times and overcome by Satan. In the wilderness, Jesus, the Second Adam, was tempted three times and overcame Satan. The first Adam was tempted to become like God. Jesus, the Second Adam is true God, and became man to be tempted for us as we are tempted, yet without sin. The first Adam was tempted to eat the food that God had not given him to eat. The Second Adam knew that man lived not by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. The first Adam was tempted to forsake the word of God. The Second Adam is the very Word of God who also speaks God’s living word.

The first Adam brought death out of life. Jesus, the second and perfect Adam brought life out of death. As Paul writes, “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.” 

The first Adam failed. Fell in sin. Died. And in Adam, in our own sinful flesh, so do we. But not Jesus, the Second Adam. Where the first Adam said “yes” to the devil’s lie, Jesus says no, again, again, and again.                

The first Adam was overcome by the tree serpent and the tree of the Garden. Jesus our Second Adam overcomes the devil by the tree of the cross for you.  

The first Adam fell and brought us sin and death. Jesus our Second Adam dies and rises to raise us from the dust by His resurrection.

The first Adam cast us out of Paradise. Jesus our Second Adam brings us through the wilderness to a new creation: “today you are with me in Paradise.”

The first Adam gave us food of the fall by sweat and labor. Jesus, our Second Adam, feeds us with his own life-giving food, the Bread of Life in his body and blood.

We confess with St. Paul, that “As in Adam we die, so in Christ, our Second Adam we live.” And we rejoice with St. Paul that we are brothers and heirs of Christ, our Second Adam, who has destroyed the last enemy of death for us and for all creation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

But Christ the Second Adam, came To bear our sin and woe and shame, To be our life, our light, our way, Our only hope, our only stay. (LSB 562:4)

-Pastor Samuel Schuldheisz is pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

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.

November 27, 2023

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 22:1-23, Matthew 25:1-13

For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. (Ezekiel 34:11)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Every now and then, you hear a song on the radio or Spotify and think to yourself, “This song sounds so familiar.” There’s a reason for that. Musicians call it sampling, when you take a bit of an old song and put it in a new song so it reminds you of that old song. 

The same happens all over God’s Word as well. It’s no accident that Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd, and looks at the crowds like sheep without a shepherd, and is identified by John as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is the New Testament’s way of sampling the Old Testament promises of God. The new song of salvation sounds a lot like the old songs of salvation from the prophets. 

Ezekiel 34 is one of those memorable chapters in the prophets, full of the promises of God to be the shepherd of his people Israel. God’s people were lost in idolatry, God promised to seek them out and save them. God’s people were scattered in exile, God promised to bring them home and rescue them. God’s people were injured, weak, and hungry, and God promised to bind their wounds, give them his strength, and feed them in rich pastures. In the Old Testament, that’s the refrain of God’s song of salvation: God the Lord is the shepherd of Israel and he alone seeks them out, saves, and rescues them.

When we turn the pages of the Scriptures to the New Testament our Lord is playing the same old song but with something new. God the Shepherd has become one of his sheep in his incarnation and has become one with his sheep in our humanity. Jesus is the Good Shepherd of God in human flesh. He came to seek and save us in our lostness. He came to bind up our wounds by his wounds on the cross. He came to rescue us from sin, death, and the devil, by his redemption. He came to feed us with the rich pastures of his word and sacraments.

All the promises that the prophets foretold, all the songs of salvation they sang, find their fulfillment and joyful crescendo in Jesus crucified and risen. For Jesus is the Good Shepherd who seeks, saves, rescues, feeds, and forgives you.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The King of love my shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine forever. (LSB 709:1)

-Pastor Samuel Schuldheisz is pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

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.

November 26, 2023

Today's Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 20:1-18, Matthew 24:29-51

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matthew 25:34)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Some folks read Jesus’ teaching on the Last Day in Matthew 25 like The Hunger Games: “Last one standing is a sheep, and may the odds be ever in your favor!” For many, it’s a day of judgment, doom, and gloom; “everyone, save yourselves.” But that’s not what Jesus teaches about his second coming. When Jesus teaches about the Last Day, there is warning. But, Jesus also preaches good news at his coming.

The Son of Man comes, enthroned in glory. All the nations are gathered and he’s separating people one from another. Sheep to the honorable right; goats to the dishonorable left.

This is the eternal Sorting Hat. Notice, works are mentioned after the separation. The sheep and goats are not separated on the basis of what they did or didn’t do but who they are. 

The sheep are the righteous. Jesus’ righteousness was reckoned, imputed to them. Sin covered in the blood of the Lamb. They hear the words, “Come, you who are blessed by Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you before the foundations of the world.” Pure gift. Jesus’ inheritance is yours because He dies and leaves you with everything. 

The sheep are astonished: “Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, naked or imprisoned?” “As you did these things for the least of these my brothers you did it to me.” A blessed befuddlement: Jesus is hidden in the lowly losers. The sheep aren’t busy counting good works because they know they have the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for them.

The goats are surprised too, but for different reasons. They’re as ignorant of their sin as the sheep were of their good works. “Lord, when did we see you?” They’re outraged. “If only we had known it was you, Jesus.” Goats are busy counting their works, like a social media influencer counting followers. The goats are for the goats..

So, what are you? Sheep or goat? In Adam, we’re all natural born goats. Naked, caught with our fig leaves down. Starving, thirsting, sick with sin and prisoners of death. The mirror of the Law only reveals a stinking, stubborn goat. But in Christ Crucified you are a righteous sheep, made woolly white by Jesus’ blood. By water, word, and the Spirit, you are Jesus’ little lamb. Hear the Good Shepherd’s voice: ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

My Savior paid the debt I owe And for my sin was smitten; Within the Book of Life I know My name has now been written. I will not doubt, for I am free, And Satan cannot threaten me; There is no condemnation! (LSB 508:5)

-Pastor Samuel Schuldheisz is pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

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.

November 25, 2023

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 26: Psalm 39:4-5, 7-8, 12a; antiphon 2 Peter 3:13

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 11:1-23, Matthew 24:1-28

In keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth,

the home of righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The end of the world is going to happen and Christian’s and non-Christians believe it.  We love to stream shows depicting a zombie apocalypse.  The world hears warnings of financial collapse or global warming,- burning our world up.  It seems that we can all agree that this world will come to an end. But how? Peter assures us that the Day of the Lord will Come; in the Lord’s time, with destruction for the ungodly, but salvation for the faithful.

Do we have the same attitude toward the end as the rest of the world? No! Every week we get to say that Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead (Nicene Creed) – it could be any moment.  The good news is that Peter says: “the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” In Jesus and His forgiveness you are ready, you are prepared, let us pray come Lord Jesus, come quickly. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Zion hears the watchmen singing,  And all her heart with joy is springing;  She wakes, she rises from her gloom.  For her Lord comes down all-glorious,  The strong in grace, in truth victorious;  Her star is ris'n, her light is come.  Now come, Thou Blessed One,  Lord Jesus, God's own Son,  Hail! Hosanna!  We enter all   The wedding hall  To eat the Supper at Thy call.  (LSB 516:2)

- 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.

November 24, 2023

Today's Reading: James 5:7-11

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 8:18-9:12, Matthew 23:13-39

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. (James 5:7)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The church year is almost over and we are moving to where we hear about the end times.  That’s what James is reminding us today.  I’m not a farmer, but I have grown plants. There can be a long time in between planting and the harvest when you don’t see much of anything. There needs to be the right amount of rainfall, sun and time for the crop to mature for harvesting. The farmer needs to be patient. But in the end, he knows the harvest is coming.

James is telling us Christians that Jesus will return. Hold on. Hang on. Just be patient. Our Lord is coming. You have his word on it.

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.” When the Lord comes He will judge the living and the dead.  When the Judge comes in, what will he find?  Will there be fruit or a dried up plant?

Take heart.  Jesus is the sower of the seed who has planted His cross for the life of the world.  His cross is the vine in which you are the branches and by His precious blood He bears all good and righteous fruit in you.  The harvest is coming, be patient, the sower of the seed has cared for you His dear creation. In Him you have life, you have fruit, you are part of His good and gracious harvest. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Savior, rend the heavens wide;  Come down, come down with mighty stride; Unlock the gates, the doors break down;  Unbar the way to heaven’s crown.  (LSB 355:1)

November 23, 2023

Today's Reading: 

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 7:1-29, Matthew 23:1-12

And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!”  (1 Kings 17:1-24)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Coloring books are all over the place these days. In Christianity those color books are about happy events in the Bible.  I think we should have color pages for people like Elijah.  We could have pages and pages that we could consider in the life of Elijah.  How would you color Elijah’s struggles? How would you struggle with the boy on his deathbed? What Elijah faced was a long, arduous journey through the valley of the shadow of death.  It seems as if there was no room for light, color or beauty.  Elijah’s pictures might be at best gray, but mostly black and void.

We too walk in the valley of the shadow of death wearing the vale of tears we face.  However, we trudge through the valley of the shadow of Jesus’s death. We walk with the veil of tears with the promise.   Even in the darkest moments of despair, pain, and loss there is beauty and even color.  At the deathbed of a young boy, there is the beauty of prayers being heard and resurrection given.  The cold, gray, pale shades of death, are colored back in with the reviving life and color on his face as the boy was alive again.   

There is beauty and color for us in Jesus’ death and resurrection.  As we look at  our own lives under the cross there really is beauty in the resurrection of all flesh, the color and vivid life of the new heavens and the new earth, the new creation. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Open now thy gates of beauty,  Zion, let me enter there,  Where my soul in joyful duty  Waits for Him who answers prayer. Oh, how blessèd is this place, Filled with solace, light and grace!  (LSB 901:1)

- 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.