Reflections

Today's Reading: Luke 16:19-31

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 3:5-24; John 11:38-57

…"If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead." (Luke 16:31b)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Today, we meet Lazarus. He has the distinction of being the only character in Jesus' parables to be given a name. Lazarus means, "One whom God helps."

Every day, Lazarus' friends lay him outside the gate of a rich man so that he might receive scraps from the rich man's table. God intended to help Lazarus through the compassion of the rich man. The bounty given to the rich man should be shared in mercy with Lazarus, and God would bless both of them. But the rich man closed his heart toward Lazarus. Instead of helping him, he left Lazarus to suffer in hunger and illness, poverty and shame.

Soon, both die. God lives up to the promise in Lazarus' name. The angels carry Lazarus away from the sorrows of this world to the peace of eternal life. The rich man is sent to hell. His lack of faith in God and lack of repentance for his sins lead him to eternal punishment. Even in hell he still has no respect for Lazarus. He suggests that God send Lazarus down to the fires of hell for the miniscule comfort of a drop of water on his tongue.

God would have none of it. God gave these good things to Lazarus and they will never be taken away. The rich man begs God to send Lazarus to his brothers to warn them that they, too, will be damned if they don't repent. But God has given them mercy already! Moses and the prophets call them to repent and believe. If they will not hear them, why would they believe if someone (Jesus!) were to rise from the dead?

In Baptism we are all Lazarus--one whom God helps! Jesus teaches us that the Church is a place of mercy. God has mercy on us in Christ Jesus. And because God has had mercy on us, we should show His love by serving our neighbor.

We gather together and hear Moses and the prophets, Jesus and His apostles. Through their words the Holy Spirit brings us to repent and believe so that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. All glory be to Him! Amen! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

"Come unto Me, ye weary, and I will give you rest." O blessed voice of Jesus, which comes to hearts oppressed! It tells of benediction, or pardon, grace and peace, Of joy that has no ending, or love that cannot cease. ("Come unto Me, Ye Weary" LSB 684, st.1)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: Introit for the First Sunday after Trinity

(Psalm 13:1-4; antiphon: vs. 5-6)

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 1:8-33; John 11:17-37

[O Lord,] I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. (From the Introit for the First Sunday after Trinity)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Psalm 13 was written by David during a time of suffering, likely while he had to flee for his life from King Saul. He spent years in hiding and was at times a hair's breadth away from death. At times David got weary. At times he felt forgotten. At times he cried out to God in frustration, as he does in this psalm. He pours out the anguish of his heart before God. But note how the psalm ends.

David confesses his faith. "I have trusted in Your steadfast love…" All his life, David counted on the fact that God's love is strong and never fails. He knows that despite the trouble he endures, God's love has not changed.

"My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation…" David is confident that God will save him from Saul. He's also sure that God will save him from his sins and give him eternal life. He waits with confidence for that salvation.

And then we read something amazing: "I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me."

David's troubles are still there, but in faith he proclaims that God is already good to him. David praises God, trusting His mercy, even before he sees the answer to his prayers.

We can relate to the type of trouble and frustration that David expresses. We learn from this psalm to trust the Lord's promises in Christ even while we are in the midst of trouble. God's eternal faithfulness was shown when Christ died and rose for us. He washed us into that death and resurrection of Christ in Baptism. As the Father was faithful to raise Christ from the dead, so He is faithful to raise those who are joined to Christ in Baptism.

The troubles of life come and go, but the love of God to us in Christ Jesus is forever. Sing this psalm with David and with all the Church, because God has dealt bountifully with us in Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Daily Lectionary: Ecclesiastes 12:1-14; John 11:1-16

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them." (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. God gave King Solomon special wisdom from God so that he could be a good king over Israel (See 1 Kings 3). You hear powerful wisdom from Solomon in our reading today from Ecclesiastes 12, but it's not easy to hear. He describes the dark days that come to a person and their family when they are about to die. It's a stark reading.

So why read it? Because death is a reality and it comes to all people. People who live their lives trying to ignore the end of life get lost in vanity. But is it wise to think only of death, since life is temporary? Definitely not!

Solomon teaches us that we should honor life! But how? By remembering the Creator of life. The only way to handle the challenges of this world is to be close to our Creator who gives us life. He keeps us safe from death so that we can receive with thanksgiving the good that He gives each day.

When do you start remembering and honoring your Creator? While you are still young, so that your years are marked by thankfulness as you receive His gifts.

How do you remember your Creator? Luther gives you a simple way in the Small Catechism, where he explains the Apostles Creed, the path of baptismal life in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

This is the path of wisdom. The articles of the Apostles Creed teach you about the Father who created you, the Son who rescued you from sin and death on the Cross, and the Holy Spirit who brings you to faith in Christ and gives you peace with the Father.

This is the life of Baptism into Christ. When you remember your Creator in your youth, you're remembering you are baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. God has made you His own child in Baptism. This baptismal life is not vain or futile like the lives King Solomon decries, but it is a life of peace in Christ now and forever. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still if Thou abide with me! ("Abide With Me" LSB 878, st.5)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: Romans 11:33-36

Daily Lectionary: Ecclesiastes 11:1-10; John 10:22-42

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Romans gives a beautiful explanation of how God saves sinful man through His Son, Jesus Christ. Make it a regular read throughout your life. You'll always find a richer and deeper understanding of your faith. The call to repent of sin is so strong, but the grace of God in Christ Jesus is even stronger, speaking forgiveness to you.

In Romans, Paul shows you that you have no power to conquer sin through your works, but that God in His wisdom and power defeated sin to save you.

Romans demonstrates the depth of Christ's love in that He died on the Cross to redeem you. It teaches you the power of forgiveness and love as you are baptized into the death of Christ. It proclaims God's love in Christ for both Jews and Gentiles. This is a beautiful book. Every time you read it, you grow in appreciation that the almighty God has such power to save you.

Could you possibly measure the riches of salvation God has for you in Christ? Could you count the blessings God has given you in creating you? Could you quantify the depth of love He has toward you that He rescued you from sin and death to bring you to heaven?

All of time is an ongoing story of God's love--how He created you, redeemed you, and keeps you in faith in Christ through the Gospel. All of eternity is marked by the glory of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Romans reveals this glory, telling how the Holy Trinity works so completely to save you and keep you in the faith.

When we look not at the glory of God's creation, but also at the problems that sin brings into this world, who can figure out a solution? God can. God's answer is the Cross of Christ--the Gospel of salvation by grace through faith.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…" (Romans 1:16a). He has worked this blessing, He has given it to you, and He will bring you home. Glory be to God! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Holy Father, holy Son, Holy Spirit, three we name Thee; Though in essence only one, undivided God we claim Thee And, adoring, bend the knee while we own the mystery. ("Holy God, We Praise Thy Name" LSB 940, st.5)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: Small Catechism: Apostles Creed, Third Article, pt. 1

Daily Lectionary: Ecclesiastes 10:1-20; John 10:1-21

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. (Small Catechism: Apostles Creed, Third Article)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Our focus today is this section from the Small Catechism which teaches you about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the One who drew you to faith through the Gospel and He is the One who keeps you in the true faith all your life.

In John 10:16 Jesus says, "And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

You are one of those sheep. Jesus is talking about you. He brought you into His flock, the Church, through faith. The Holy Spirit worked this faith in you through the Word of Christ.

The Holy Spirit inspired the apostle John to write the Gospel named after him. The Spirit caused these words of Jesus to survive through the centuries until you could hear and read them. The Spirit guarded this message as it was preached from generation to generation. The Spirit made sure that this Word was written, translated, printed, and proclaimed to all nations, keeping the Gospel alive in the Church. And now the Holy Spirit brings this message to you.

Jesus is not just a Good Shepherd a long time ago. He is not just a Good Shepherd to other people. Jesus is your Good Shepherd. The Spirit causes you to know and believe that when Jesus says He loves you and forgives you, this is the truth.

The Spirit brings you into the fold and makes you listen to your Good Shepherd's voice--so that you trust that your Savior who died for you and rose from the dead for you will also lead you through this world and bring you all the way home to heaven. Thanks be to God! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

"Come, holy Light, guide divine, now cause the Word of life to shine. Teach us to know our God aright, and call Him Father with delight. From every error keep us free; Let none but Christ our master be

That we in living faith abide, in Him, our Lord, with all our might confide. Alleluia, alleluia! (Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord LSB 497, st.2)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Daily Lectionary: John 9:24-41

Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind." (John 9:39)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In John 9 we see a man with tremendous courage. He had been born blind, and Jesus had given him sight. It was such an amazing miracle that everyone was praising Jesus, which caused the Jewish leaders to bring the healed man before the synagogue. The man proclaimed boldly that Jesus had to be from God. For this confession of faith, he was kicked out of the synagogue and was made an outcast.

The leaders of the synagogue wanted to condemn Christ by threatening those who believed in Him. This man knew that once he was blind but now could see. He would rather stay with the One who gave him sight than sit with the ones who preferred blindness.

Today the Church remembers Justin Martyr (100 – 165). Justin lived most of his life in spiritual blindness until he heard the Gospel and was drawn to faith in Christ. He was well-educated and used his gifts to defend the Christian faith and to teach others the truth. During a time of Roman persecution, he and six of his students were put on trial. They were told that if they sacrificed to the Roman gods, they could go free. Justin and his students refused because they would not worship another God. They trusted in Jesus alone, so all of them were beheaded.

Justin's witness of Christ has encouraged believers ever since. The Holy Spirit drew Justin to faith. When he was on trial, the Holy Spirit strengthened him and give him the words to say. What Jesus said in Mark 13:11 proved true: "And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit."

Jesus saved the blind man and He saved Justin. The Holy Spirit gave courage to them both when they needed it. Jesus saved you and He promises to give you courage in need. We thank God that He was there for both of these men. We also thank Him that He is there for us, building us up in faith through His Word. He will give you the strength you need for each day. No matter what comes, God is faithful. You can trust Him. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, You found Your martyr Justin wandering from teacher to teacher, searching for the true God. Grant that all who seek for a deeper knowledge of the sublime wisdom of Your eternal Word may be found by You, who sent Your Son to seek and to save the Lost; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: Isaiah 6:1-7

Daily Lectionary: Ecclesiastes 8:1-17; John 9:1-23

"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" (Isaiah 6:3b)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Isaiah goes into the temple and sees the Lord God sitting on a throne. God is so glorious that even the train of His robe fills the huge building. John 12:41 tells us that Isaiah is seeing the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, before He became incarnate and was born of the Virgin Mary.

The LORD had always been present each time people came into the temple to worship, just as He had promised. But now Isaiah sees Him in His glory. He also sees and hears the holy angels praising God, saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" (Isaiah 6:3) From the days of the early Church, we have heard this as praising the Holy Trinity. The angels proclaim God is holy (singular) but say it three times, reflecting that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each holy.

And how does Isaiah respond to seeing the Lord in His glory? He says, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" (6:5) When Isaiah sees God in glory, he is acutely aware of his own sin, so much so that he centers on the uncleanness of his lips. Every word he says, every breath, every bite of food, all of it is soiled with sin. He is also in the midst of people who are unclean in the same way. For his own sin and the sin of the people, Isaiah deserves to perish.

But God has come to save Isaiah, not to condemn him. An angel touches his lips with a coal from the altar and his sin is taken away. Isaiah can be in God's presence in peace.

When we come to church to hear the Word and receive the Sacraments, we also stand in the presence of God, though we cannot see Him. This is why we start our service confessing our sins like Isaiah did, and we hear God declare us forgiven. We, too, need our sin taken away. It's not done with a burning coal, but with the blood of Christ shed on the Cross. It touches our lips under the wine in the Supper and we are forgiven. By the blood of Christ, you have peace with God. You are cleansed to be His child by grace, forever. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea. Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity! ("Holy, Holy, Holy" LSB 507, st.4)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: John 3:1-17

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 35:9-30; Luke 24:28-53

Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Nicodemus knew that Jesus was a teacher sent from God, but he wanted to learn more, so he came to Jesus at night. What he learned was greater than he could have imagined. For Jesus is not just a teacher sent from God. Jesus IS God. Nicodemus conversed with the very Son of God, who would teach him about the Holy Trinity. Nicodemus would never be the same. Jesus started by teaching about the Holy Spirit--the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. For Nicodemus to have eternal life in the Kingdom of God, the Holy Spirit must give him rebirth in Holy Baptism.

Nicodemus could not comprehend this, so Jesus explained more. During the Exodus, the Israelites complained against God, and God sent venomous snakes to bite them as a punishment (Numbers 21:4-9). In agony the people cried to God, who provided a way to be saved. Moses raised a bronze serpent on a pole in the middle of the camp, and all who had been bitten and looked at the serpent were healed.

Now in Nicodemus' time, the Son of Man (Jesus--the Second Person of the Holy Trinity) had come. People who have sinned against God and thus have earned death and damnation can look in faith to Jesus,lifted up on the Cross for their salvation. Whoever believes in Him is set free from the punishment for sin and has eternal life.

But Jesus had not come of His own accord. God the Father, the First Person of the Holy Trinity, had sent Him. God loved the world in this way--that He saved it at the cost of His only Son. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. This faith is worked by the power of the Holy Spirit in the Word and in Baptism.

The Father sent His Son to die and rise again. The Spirit joins you to the Son through Baptism into His death, so that you are reborn into His life (Romans 6). This is why we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Three Persons, yet one God.

What Jesus taught Nicodemus, He also teaches to you. This eternal life is yours freely by grace, through faith in Christ Jesus. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for Holy Trinity)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: Introit for Holy Trinity

(Psalm 8:1-2a, 3-5; antiphon: Liturgical Text)

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 32:1-6, 16-27; Luke 24:1-27

Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. (From the Introit for the Holy Trinity)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Introit for Trinity Sunday is based on Psalm 8. This psalm is pretty short and a good one to memorize. It gives you language to express humble awe at God's power in creation, and gratitude for His grace to save you in Christ.

How beautiful is this psalm? Think of it like this: If you were going to praise God for His glory and majesty, where would you begin? Most people would pick something big, mighty, and powerful. But David (who wrote the psalm) starts with a helpless baby who coos, laughs, and cries. Why a baby? Because a baby cannot do anything to protect himself, yet he exists. God made him and God protects him. Even when Satan, the great enemy, comes after the child, God protects him.

But there's more! When people fell into sin they were condemned to death and damnation. God would not let this be! God alone created us, and God alone could save us--so He did. The Father sent His Son. Jesus is true God and true man! He came to save us and defeat the enemy and the avenger. Christ came as a baby. He was born a man, a little lower than the angels, yet still eternally God. The mere fact that the eternal Son of God could cry and laugh as a human baby gave glory to God!

And there's still more! Jesus won the fight against Satan when He died on the Cross. Risen from the dead, He gave us the gift of Baptism. The Holy Spirit brings this gift to us. We are baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We are born again as children of God, forgiven and at peace. We sing our praises to God as baptized children. Our songs glorify Him--His work of salvation has been accomplished and we are the living proof.

When we pray this psalm on Trinity Sunday, we join with believers around the world and in every age, praising the triune God! One God in three Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This God has created, redeemed, and sanctified us. Let us give glory to Him because He has shown His mercy to us!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Father most holy, merciful and tender; Jesus, our Savior, with the Father reigning; Spirit of comfort, advocate, defender, Light never waning. ("Father Most Holy" LSB 504, st.1)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Today's Reading: Genesis 11:1-9

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 27:12-23; Luke 23:26-56

Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth. (Genesis 11:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. As we continue to celebrate Pentecost, we rejoice that the Gospel of Christ Jesus has gone all around the world to all tribes, nations, peoples, and in many languages. Everywhere it has gone, the Spirit has blessed the preaching of Christ so that many people have believed and been saved. One of the beautiful things about the Christian Church is that there are people from every culture, every age, every stage of life--joined together as one in Christ.

Our lifestyles, cultures, and languages differ, but we are united together as one family in Christ. He has saved us all. He gives the same Baptism to us all. He gives the same forgiveness to us all. We all have the same hope, the same comfort, the same peace, the same love, the same grace, and the same Holy Bible that proclaims His victory over sin and death. And we will all rejoice together and praise His Name in the same heavenly kingdom.

Our reading today tells of a dark day in history. At one time people all had one language. They were united, but their goal wasn't to follow God. Instead, they wanted to make a name for themselves. They started by building a tower into the heavens, but it would have devolved into a truly destructive, organized wickedness. So God confused their language and scattered them over the face of the earth to limit their ability to unite around evil.

God didn't want us to be divided forever. He would come and unite us as one again, but not to serve the pursuit of power or the will of sinful man. We would be united by the One man who had never sinned--who came to serve and to give His life as a ransom. We would be united in Christ Jesus.

The Holy Spirit brings the Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in that man, Jesus. The Spirit has caused the Gospel to be preached to all the peoples who were scattered. In every land from every tribe, He has brought people to faith in Christ through that Gospel.

That Gospel comes to you, too! You have been baptized into the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. You share this new birth with believers all around the world and across time. With them you thank God and praise His Name. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Send us Thy Spirit, teach us truth; Thou Son, O set us free From fancied wisdom, self-sought ways, to make us one in Thee. ("In Adam We Have All Been One" LSB 569, st.5)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch