Reflections

Today's Reading: Small Catechism: Table of Duties, To Children

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 43:1-24; Revelation 9:13-10:11

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise),"that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." (Ephesians 6:1-3)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever thought about why your parents want you to obey them?  Yes, on a very small level it's because they are tired of hounding you and reminding you again and again to do the things they ask. But there is a much, much, bigger reason. Your parents want you to obey them because there is a promise from God waiting there for you. 

God has given you so many gifts. He has made you His own child in the waters of Holy Baptism. He has forgiven you at the cost of His own dear Son Jesus, who died on the Cross for all the times you have rolled your eyes or talked back to Mom or Dad. He has promised to guide you by His Law, so you see your salvation in Jesus alone. 

God has given you parents who are a good and precious gift to you. Your parents have a very important role to fill. God has put them in your life to stand in His place. They are not to be God but to teach you and love you like God does.

Your parents are standing in for God to help you do your first vocation, your first job; that of their son or daughter. Just as you "fear, love and trust in God above all things," you are also to love and listen, honor, and obey your parents. 

They are there to show you the love of God by bringing you to the Divine Service, where God gives us His good and precious Gifts and where we hear His promises preached. 

When that early Sunday morning wake-up call comes, it is because your parents want the best for you, because they want God's Gifts given to you. They want you to see how God provides life for you, health for you, daily bread for you. They bring you to youth group and confirmation class in order to ground you in an unchanging promise that will carry you through when your world is rocked because of your sin and the brokenness of others. 

Even though you might not agree with your parents, they are a gift from God to you, to teach and shape you. They want you to receive God's eternal gifts. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

"You are to honor and obey Your father, mother, ev'ry day, Serve them each way that comes to hand; You'll then live long in the land." Have mercy, Lord! ("These Are the Holy Ten Commands" LSB 581, st.5)

-Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher is pastor of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Black Hawk, SD. He is also the vice president of Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: John 20:24-29

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 42:1-25; Revelation 9:1-12

Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:27-28)

 In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. It is a week after Jesus has risen from the dead and beaten our old evil foe of sin, death, and the devil. The disciples have locked themselves in again for fear of the Jews. Thomas is with them this time. On the first resurrection morning he was someplace else. Jesus' first words to them, both on that first resurrection morning and now a week later were the same: "Peace be with you." Jesus' words to them were more than a polite greeting. Peace was a fact, a sure and certain reality. From the moment Jesus said, "It is finished" (John 19:30), and gave up His life as our sinless sacrifice, we all have peace with God. Even Thomas.

Thomas' situation was far more serious than "doubting." He was unbelieving, rejecting Jesus and the gifts He brings. So Jesus does what He does so well. He calls unbelieving sinners to Himself. Okay, Thomas, here is what you need. Touch my hands; touch my side. And then Jesus said this: "Do not disbelieve but believe."  With a word Jesus spoke faith into Thomas. 

Saving faith is not a product of physical evidence. It is not a product of human reason or the will of man. In what Dr. Luther wrote about the Third Article of the creed we confess: "I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him." 

Jesus calls unbelieving sinners to Himself. His means are simple. He speaks, we believe. Paul reminds us, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). Saving faith is believing what Jesus says. He said we are forgiven, and we are because He took our sin and gave us His righteousness. He said all who die in the faith He has given will rise again, because He was the firstborn of the dead. He said to Thomas, "Believe," and Thomas did. 

Believing in Jesus, as Thomas did, always produces fruit. Jesus called Thomas from death to life and Thomas confessed, "My Lord and my God." Jesus says, "Believe and be baptized," and we are connected to Jesus' death on the Cross. Jesus says, "Call on Me," and we pray, and He answers, giving comfort and peace. Jesus says, "Take and eat and drink," and we are forgiven. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  

We may not touch His hands and side, Nor follow where He trod; But in His promise we rejoice And cry "My Lord and God!" ("We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight" LSB 720, st.2)

-Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher is pastor of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Black Hawk, SD. He is also the vice president of Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-19

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 40:18-41:10; Revelation 8:1-13

I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. (Deuteronomy 18:18)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. If there was anyone who spoke the Law of God to His people, it was Moses. At God's command, Moses was the Lawgiver. God wrote it with His fiery finger on Mt. Sinai and Moses carried it down to God's people. There were other faithful prophets like Aaron and Nathan, so why was Moses better? Why did God say, "I will raise up a prophet like you?" 

Moses interceded for his people. They were afraid of God's harsh Law and did not want to deal with God directly, so Moses stood between them and God. 

Moses delivered God's people. Moses stood before Israel's captor, Pharaoh, and spoke for God. "Let my son go, that he may serve me" (Exodus 4:23). God used Moses to put the Passover in place, where blood and a lamb would defend His people from death. God used Moses to lead those same people to the Promised land. This prophet will be hard to beat.

We are in the fourth week of Advent. Very soon we will celebrate when the sinless Son of God took on frail flesh and blood and was born into our world. In the manger in Bethlehem the greater Moses will be swaddled. 

This greatest Prophet will also intercede for you. Because of your sin, God's wrath should destroy you, but there, between you and the wrath of God, is Jesus, the greater Moses, intervening on your behalf. This greatest Prophet hangs on the Cross for you. The Law that damns sinners is fulfilled completely by the greatest Prophet and then graciously gifted to you. The greater Moses, Christ the Lamb of God, delivered you from your death sentence.

Jesus is the greatest Prophet and the greatest Priest. He offered Himself as the greatest sacrifice. His blood shed, once for all, forgives you every sin of commission and omission. Jesus our great High Priest does not point us ahead to a future Savior. He fulfilled the Passover just like he fulfilled the Law of God, for you, dear saint. His blood shed. His body given to you, and you are forgiven. 

Jesus is our great Prophet, greater than Moses. Jesus is our great High Priest, offering Himself as your total and complete sacrifice. In just a few days we remember again that Jesus is our great High King, born to serve, love, and forgive you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

His wondrous works and ways He made by Moses known, But sent the world His truth and grace By His belovèd Son. ("O Bless the Lord, My Soul" LSB 814, st.6)

-Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher is pastor of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Black Hawk, SD. He is also the vice president of Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: John 1:19-28

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 40:1-17; Revelation 7:1-17

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." (John 1: 19-20)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. I love Advent. I love preaching about John the Baptizer preparing the way of the Lord and preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 

John knew who he was. He knew his purpose was to point to the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). He did not try to ride on Christ's coat tails. He did not try to carve out a higher place for himself. John was confident about two things. He said, "I am not the Christ" and he knew he was not worthy to untie the strap of Jesus' sandals. 

A very wise pastor once told me there are really only two things one needs to know to be a faithful pastor. The first is that there is one God who forgave your sins through His Son Jesus on the Cross. The second, and most important is, that you are not Him! When we keep that in mind things are easier. 

Pride often gets us into trouble. Taking pride in your work or your family is a good thing. But pride takes a dangerous turn when we elevate or trust in ourselves. Check out the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18.

Jesus said of John, "I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John" (Luke 7:28). That is high praise! And yet John did not let that accolade go to his head. John preached repentance, and he preached the Law, so people would see Jesus as their only hope and Savior. 

John, being the last of the Old Testament prophets and the first of the New, knew who Jesus was. Savior, Redeemer, the perfect and complete sacrifice for your pride and arrogance. He also knew his own sin. He was not worthy to untie Jesus' Converse. 

John's boldness in preaching and pointing was not to elevate himself. It was to open blind eyes to the reality of sin and death. His preaching pointed to a long hoped-for promise of a Messiah. His preaching brought comfort, comfort to all like us who know our sin and cling confidently to our Savior, His Cross, and our forgiveness. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for the Fourth Sunday in Advent)

-Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher is pastor of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Black Hawk, SD. He is also the vice president of Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: Introit for the Fourth Sunday in Advent (Psalm 19:1, 4-6; antiphon: Isaiah 45:8a)

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 34:1-2, 8-35:10; Revelation 6:1-17

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (From the Introit for the Fourth Sunday in Advent)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. I live in an area that is not affected by light pollution. One of the great joys I have is looking up at the night sky. On a cold January evening, when the days are short, it is easy to see the Milky Way. Science estimates that between 100 and 400 billion stars hang in our little corner of the night sky. They also want to date the birth of the Milky Way back millions or even billions of years. 

The psalmist writes "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." So, which is it? Millions and billions of years or "and God said" on the fourth day? If you have ever thrown a pot, or built a birdhouse, or created anything, you know the created does not rule the creator. The clay does not say to the potter, "I prefer two handles, not one." The creator creates and the created receives. The hands of the potter form and shape and fire, and the pot receives its shape and purpose. 

Since the fall of man, we the created have been giving orders to the Creator. Not six 24-hour days but millions and billions of years! When the created mimics the role of creator, the created will always be empty and unfulfilled. That is why created mankind, who refuses to live under the reign of the Creator God, continually pushes for change. They seek purpose, security, and independence from the eternal enemy of death. 

Looking up at the Milky Way, or at the majesty of a mountain waterfall clearly shows us that there is a creator. Looking at the way God dealt with Adam and Eve after they sought to be like Him shows us His mercy. He did not give them what they deserved. He gave them a promise. He gave them, and us, a Savior. Looking at the Cross of Jesus we see our benevolent and gracious Creator offering His only begotten Son as the total and complete payment for our sin. 

The Creator creates. He speaks creation into existence. He speaks words of forgiveness and peace to you through the blood of the perfect sacrifice, His Son. We, the created, receive. We live in His peace and promise. We have joy and purpose as we declare His glory and care for His First Article Gifts. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Voices raised to You we offer; Tune them, God, for songs of praise. Hearts and hands we bring in tribute For Your gifts through all our days. Alleluia! Alleluia! Triune God, to You we sing! ("Voices Raised to You We Offer" LSB 795, st.1) 

-Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher is pastor of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Black Hawk, SD. He is also the vice president of Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Daily Lectionary:Isaiah 33:1-24; Revelation 5:1-14

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When you were confirmed, you were asked, "Do you intend to live according to the Word of God, and in faith, word, and deed to remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, even to death?" And you answered. "I do, by the grace of God." You are in good company. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not use the same words but made the same confession. 

Daniel and these three young men lived in rapidly changing times. They lived in the disappointments and temptations of exile. Golden idols with the threat of death if they did not bow down demanded a faithful confession. Ordinances that demand you pray to King Darius were in direct conflict with faithfully serving the one true God whom Daniel and we serve. 

Our world is rapidly changing as well. "Woke" and "cancel culture" push hard to have you bow down to their will. Pressure to achieve and perform push us to conform to the will of a broken sinful world, sacrificing faithfulness to our faithful God. 

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faithful. They worshiped God. Their confession did not waver. Even when they looked into the lion's den or stood at the mouth of the fiery furnace, they did not worship false gods. They did not give in to fear. Their confession was, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us." 

Our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who has served us first, is able to deliver us. Every enemy, defeated. Every sin atoned for by "the Son of man," and His kingdom shall not be destroyed (Daniel 7:13). The fear that tries to paralyze and silence our faithful confession cannot withstand the baptismal identity which God has given you. You are a child of God, faithful and forgiven. Your confession is the same as Daniel and the three young men. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.                                

 I walk with Jesus all the way, His guidance never fails me; Within His wounds I find a stay When Satan's pow'r assails me; And by His footsteps led, My path I safely tread. No evil leads my soul astray; I walk with Jesus all the way. ("I Walk in Danger All the Way" LSB 716, st.5)

-Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher is pastor of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Black Hawk, SD. He is also the vice president of Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Daily Lectionary:Isaiah 32:1-20; Revelation 4:1-11

At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. (Revelation 4:2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Can you imagine seeing what John saw?  In a divine vision John is brought into the holy throne room of God. The throne in the center is where Jesus sits. He has ascended from His work on earth. He is exalted. His humiliating work of the Cross, His death and the grave are done. He has honored His Father's promise to send us hope. He has crushed Satan's head and completed His divine work (Genesis 3:15). He is completely and totally alive and victorious. 

We are redeemed, forgiven, and justified by His blood as a total and complete sacrifice for ALL sin, for your sin. The angels shout, "Holy, Holy, Holy," just like in the vision Isaiah saw (Isaiah 6:3). The glory!  The majesty! It is almost too much for words to describe! 

John was taken into this heavenly throne room to give absolute hope that God will triumph over sin, death, and the devil. There is hope and it is for you.   

What John saw can seem like a distant dream for us. We are here in the world that is fiercely divided. A difference of opinion divides you and your BFF. The culture pushes against everything you hear in church. If you disagree with your teachers or professors or are bold enough to say, "That is not true," you become a target. Fear not, dear saint. There is hope! Real, physical hope, for you, here on earth!

When you gather for the Divine Service, our victorious Lord brings hope to you. You hear the result of His Calvary victory for you when your pastor pronounces the forgiveness of all your sins. You are fully free and forgiven. You hear God's Word preached to you, and it points you to the Cross where Jesus beat every enemy, for you!  We sing what John heard the angels sing when we sing the Sanctus: "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of power and might." When the pastor lifts the Body and Blood of Jesus up, in, with, and under the bread and wine, and says, "The peace of the Lord be with you always," we have hope!  Jesus is lifted up from death's dominion. Jesus is lifted up into heaven and is sitting on His throne waiting to return. And then, hope comes to you. Take and eat; this is the Body of Christ. Take and drink; this is the Blood of Christ for you, for your forgiveness, for eternal and everlasting hope! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see, Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, Perfect in pow'r, in love, and purity. ("Holy, Holy, Holy" LSB 507, st.4)

-Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher is pastor of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Black Hawk, SD. He is also the vice president of Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: Small Catechism: Table of Duties, To Parents
Daily Lectionary:Isaiah 30:27-31:9; Revelation 3:1-22

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

 In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. I remember the look well. I had said something to one of our kids that was insensitive and rooted in anger. I knew better, but the argument had exhausted my patience and I answered with a statement I would never have let our kids say. My very next words were, "Please forgive me; that was wrong." The look from our child was one of astonishment! Instead of being told, by me, to ask for forgiveness our child was being asked to forgive me. For the first time our child began to put together the idea that we all--parents, children, family, and friends--receive and give the forgiveness won for us by Christ on the Cross. 

The Fourth Commandment, "Honor your father and your mother," might seem to come from the top down in its application, and to some extent it does. It is the head of the household's responsibility, given by God, to teach this to the old Adam in our children. It is also the head of the household's responsibility to hear and heed what Paul writes: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

Dr. Luther is very clear. At the beginning of each of theSix Chief Parts is this directive: "As the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to his household." Your parents should be the primary faith teachers for you. Let's face it: Not all parents do a good job of this. Sometimes our anger gets the best of us. Sometimes when the hard questions are asked, we don't have a good answer, and we get defensive. Sometimes we simply fail in this part of our vocation. 

You are forgiven! Remember that. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger," is a clear reminder that we need the forgiveness that freely and lovingly flowed from Jesus' hands and head. The rest of that verse, "but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord," is Gospel for parents and children. 

Even though we sin and fall short of the glory of God, we are not disqualified from teaching our children. We are forgiven completely by Jesus. Even though we are not perfect teachers, the Holy Spirit continues to equip us. 

Our children learn by what we teach and what we model. We receive forgiveness and we give forgiveness. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Oh, blest that house; it prospers well. In peace and joy the parents dwell, And in their children's lives is shown How richly God can bless His own. ("Oh, Blest the House" LSB 862, st.4)

-Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher is pastor of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Black Hawk, SD. He is also the vice president of Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 30:15-26; Revelation 2:1-29

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever read your school's student handbook, or an employee handbook from work? They are not page turners, that's for sure! They are dry, dull, and lead to despair. The handbook has one purpose. It clearly shows the rules. It shows the law. Any infraction of the rules and you are out. The handbook's purpose is three-fold. It seeks to identify who you are. It seeks to define what you are to do. And it lays out consequences when you forget your identity or responsibility. 

Paul in 1 Corinthians 4 may sound very much like a student handbook. Our identity is "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." Our responsibility is to be "found faithful." And the consequences for our failure, the consequence for our sin, is the judgment of God. If you read Paul's encouragement to the apostles through the lens of the Law only, it will lead to despair. We are not faithful. No student, no employee, no sinner is ever completely faithful. Because of that we should be found guilty, suspended, or fired.

Now look at your identity as God intended it to be seen. Not based on what others say about you. Not on your perceived keeping of the Law. Look at your identity through Jesus. You are a servant and steward. You have been bought back from certain and eternal death by the blood of the sinless Lamb of God shed for you on the Cross. You are an adopted child, into a holy and loving family, through your Baptism. Your identity is not based on you at all. It is not based on your success or your failure. Thank God! Your identity is rooted in the magnanimous love of God for you. 

In your Baptism you were brought into the Priesthood of all believers.  A steward reflects the will and wishes of the Master. As stewards we are merciful even as our Father is merciful (Luke 6:36). We forgive as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:12). We love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Through Gospel eyes, which see Jesus on the Cross atoning for all your sin, you do not fear God's judgment. He judged Jesus for you. All your unfaithfulness, all your sin was placed on Jesus and died on His Cross. You are forgiven. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Spirit, water, blood entreating, Working faith and its completing In the One whose death-defeating Life has come, with life for all.("Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying" LSB 597, st.6)

-Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher is pastor of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Black Hawk, SD. He is also the vice president of Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 29:15-30:14; Revelation 1:1-20

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.  Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her
that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand
double for all her sins. . .   (Isaiah 40:1-3)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. It was the first week of school at Concordia Nebraska. I was in the commons visiting with the food service manager and I asked, "What's on the menu?" He said, "Mac and cheese, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, grilled cheese and tomato soup. Comfort food. These incoming freshmen need something to make them feel at home when they are not at home." 

We all need comfort because we are not at home. We're here, sinners, in a broken, sinful world. Broken relationships leave us bitter and untrusting. Sinful, lustful thoughts drive us to steal the gifts of the Sixth  Commandment. The world around us sings a siren song of selfishness and life without suffering. 

Sin always has consequences, and when the weight of my sin comes crashing down on me, I expect the worst. My guess is you do the same. That is how this broken world works. You get what you deserve without mercy. But that's not how our good and gracious God works. 

God's Word does what it promises. God's Word is formative. It accomplishes what it says. "Comfort!" Comfort is what it promises. Jesus on the Cross, forgiveness of sins and peace are what it delivers.  

God's people didn't do anything to earn or merit God's favor. Quite the opposite. They chased false gods, and they rebelled against His authority. Completely broken, without any hope, and God gives Jerusalem "double for all her sins." Not double wrath or punishment. Not double death or eternity in hell times two. Double gift from a tender and forgiving God. He sent us Jesus who died and rose again. He gives us grace and mercy! Forgiveness and peace! Comfort and joy! Our risen Savior gives us the greatest comfort food ever as His Body and Blood are put into our mouths. Take and eat, take and drink for the forgiveness of ALL your sins. 

We are not at home yet. One day soon we will be with the Lord. Sin will be done. Hell will be sealed. Until then, rest in His comfort and promises for you today. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The gifts Christ freely gives He gives to you and me To be His Church, His bride His chosen, saved and free! Saints blest with these rich gifts Are children who proclaim That they were won by Christ And cling to His strong name. ("The Gifts Christ Freely Gives" LSB 602, st.1)

Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher is pastor of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Black Hawk, SD. He is also the vice president of Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch