Reflections

April 3, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 45:1-20, 24-28; Mark 13:1-23

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

When Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, this is the prayer He gave them. When children learn this by memory, there are some words that are difficult to understand, like “hallowed” and “trespasses.” There are some places where the old, traditional translation is a bit confusing, like “who art in heaven.” When this is learned by a young child, they are often quick to want to learn something else, something new.

But this prayer is one that no Christian ever learns completely, at least not here on earth. This profound prayer washes over us, each phrase like a profound wave of meaning. God is in heaven, and His name is holy. Ponder that for a minute or for a lifetime. God’s kingdom comes and His desires are completed, no matter if we ask for that to happen or not. He gives us what we need, and He forgives us and strengthens us to forgive others. That sounds simple, right? It isn’t. How often have you failed at trusting God to do good for you or faltered at forgiving someone else? Then, we ask God to lead us away from temptation and deliver us from evil. The more we pray those words, the more often we see temptation and evil around us. Finally, we recognize that God has an eternal kingdom and power and glory forever, and that doesn’t make sense to our time-conscious sensibilities. This prayer that Jesus gave His Church never gets old. You can never pray it and say, “I don’t need to pray like that again.” This prayer is always good for God’s children to pray until the day when His kingdom comes, and you see Him face to face.

When it comes to the Lord’s Prayer, don’t move on. Don’t look for something new. Pray this prayer again and again. Slow down. Don’t rush through it. Stop. Ponder. Reflect. Repeat. Wonder. After all, this is how your Lord wants you to pray.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Our Father, who from heav’n above Bids all of us to live in love As members of one family And pray to You in unity, Teach us no thoughtless words to say But from our inmost hearts to pray. (LSB 766:1)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

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

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

April 2, 2025

Today's Reading: Mark 12:28-44

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 44:1-18, 32-34; Mark 12:28-44

 
And [Jesus] sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums.And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

It’s not polite to watch what other people put into the offering plate at church. Don’t do that. Even though congregations used to post a list of which members gave how much money to the church, that practice has (thankfully) been done away with. Still, politeness didn’t stop Jesus from sitting next to the offering box in the temple and watching what people were putting into it. He even commented about their offerings to His disciples!

He doesn’t do this as an example for you to follow but to teach you that the gift of an offering is a confession of faith. People who had plenty gave something from their wealth, but they had more money and more possessions to go back to. The poor widow, on the other hand, gave two small coins, and that was all she had to live on. She didn’t have money in the bank left over. She trusted in God to provide for all her needs.

What about you? It’s easy to say that you trust God, but do you? When your money is taken away, or when your health fails, or when you lose friends, are you confident that God is all you need? You would probably like to say that you trust God completely, but that is really hard! Instead, when things are taken away from you, you often try to fix the problem yourself or look to your other gifts.  

God doesn’t call you to fix problems with your other gifts. He doesn’t tell you to take care of yourself. He doesn’t try to get you to fix things on your own. He doesn’t say, “A for effort, but go try to do better next time.” Instead, He tells you to believe in Him because He is the way, the truth, and the life. He gives you every good and perfect gift from above. (James 1:17) He gives you His gracious gifts out of His mercy and love. The Gifts of God are all you need!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thee; Trusting Thee for full salvation, Great and free. (LSB 729:1)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

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

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

April 1, 2025

Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 43:1-28; Mark 12:13-27

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Some people are good at making things with their hands. They build birdhouses or buildings; they shape bowls from clay; they paint and draw and create. Then, there’s me. I’m not good at any of those things. My reality is that I make something, and then I try to remake it with no success, and then I give up. I destroy the ugly, imperfect project because I don’t want anyone to know how badly I failed to make something.

God is the creator of all things. The God of creation made the heavens and the earth and everything that is in them. From cows and dogs to giraffes and hippopotamuses to eagles and hammerhead sharks and all trees and plants, He made everything very good. Then, Adam and Eve fell into sin, and things weren’t very good anymore. It’s not God’s fault that creation was flawed. Still, the God of creation stepped in to make all things new again, even you. 

God made you, forming you in your mother’s womb. Even there, you were a sinner. (Psalm 51:5) Then, God remade you in the womb of the baptismal font, washing you with His holy name and covering you with righteousness and forgiveness. You are a new creation because you have been united with Jesus’ death and resurrection in Baptism. (Romans 6:3-4) God didn’t throw you away because you’re a sinner, nor did He destroy you and try again. Instead, He has perfected you by His grace and had mercy on you.  

The cost for your righteousness is His own Son, who didn’t know sin but became your sin. He died for you so that you would not die eternally but have the righteousness of God. God didn’t throw you away, but He did sacrifice His Son on the cross for your forgiveness. The new has come! If you doubt that you are a new creation, look to the cross. Look to Christ. Hear your pastor speak on God’s behalf: “Your sins are forgiven!”  Remember that you are baptized. Receive the Body and Blood of Jesus for your forgiveness. These are reminders of God’s grace, yet even more than reminders they deliver the grace of God to you. Your sin has been replaced with the righteousness of God, and you are His new creation!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

My faithful God, You fail me never; Your promise surely will endure. O cast me not away forever If words and deeds become impure. Have mercy when I come defiled; Forgive, lift up, restore Your child. (LSB 590:3)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

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

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 31, 2025

Today's Reading: Isaiah 12:1-6

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 42:1-34, 38; Mark 12:1-12

“You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:1-2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Has anyone ever been angry with you? Since you have a pulse, probably. You might have done something to anger someone, or you might have accidentally done something that resulted in another person’s anger. Still, it happened. You did something, and they were angry. Perhaps that was when you learned that saying, “Now, don’t be angry…” doesn’t actually help someone’s anger go away. Parents, siblings, teachers, classmates, and others aren’t impressed when you just ask them not to be angry.

But on the Last Day, God won’t be angry with you. That’s the promise of Isaiah. That promise makes you want to throw your hands in the air and say, “What?! How does that work?!” God has every right to be angry with you because of your sin. You live like God doesn’t matter and like you matter most. You don’t keep his Commandments, and sometimes your actions flaunt God’s holiness, even on purpose. He should be angry with you, but because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, His anger is turned away, and He comforts you.

Micah 7:18-19 declares, “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” God pardons you and forgives you, and He is your salvation.  

That sounds too good to be true, but it is true. This truth can’t be proven or debated but only believed. Like Isaiah says, trust and don’t be afraid because the Lord your God is your strength and your song. He has become your salvation. If you have ever had someone stop being angry with you, you know how difficult that is to believe. But God’s grace is true and believable for you. He is your salvation.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Yet as the Law must be fulfilled Or we must die despairing, Christ came and has God’s anger stilled, Our human nature sharing. He has for us the Law obeyed And thus the Father’s vengeance stayed Which over us impended. (LSB 555:5)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

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

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 30, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 41:28-57; Mark 11:20-33

“It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” (Luke 15:32)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

This parable is often called the “parable of the prodigal (or lost) son.” But the younger son isn’t really the main character in the parable, and neither is his older brother. The main focus is the father. He was shamed by his younger son, who wanted his share of the inheritance early, and he was shamed by his older son, who threw a temper tantrum outside his father’s celebration party. Both sons behaved badly. But the father didn’t treat either of them like they deserved. Even after giving the younger son his share of the estate, he watched for his return and celebrated his homecoming. He invited and pleaded for the older son to come into the party because everything that belonged to the father also belonged to him.

According to common sense, that’s not how things work. When a relationship is damaged by hurtful, sinful action, it is rare that everything is immediately forgiven and set right. When you hurt someone else, maybe it took time to earn their trust back. Maybe the relationship was so damaged that it can’t be repaired. But that’s not how this father deals with his sons. Instead, he forgives them both and has an important place for both of them at his celebration feast. This parable is really “the parable of the forgiving father.”

According to our common sense, this surprising forgiveness is backward. That’s the very essence of God’s Gospel. God the Father is fully aware of your sin. He doesn’t excuse it or say that it’s okay. He sends His one and only Son into the flesh so that all who believe in Him have eternal life. (John 3:16) He doesn’t hold a grudge, ignore you, or wait for you to re-earn His trust. He takes the burden onto Himself to forgive you and to restore His relationship with you.

When your Father forgives you, He throws a celebratory feast! That feast is the Body and Blood of His Son for you to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sins. That Communion feast prepares you for the supper of the Lamb on the Last Day when you eat and drink with Him in Paradise. Your forgiving Father restores you when He forgives all your sins.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

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

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 29, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 4 - Psalm 51:2-6; antiphon: Psalm 51:1

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 41:1-27; Mark 11:1-19

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me… Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psalm 51:3, 5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Taking stock of yourself and how you talk about yourself are important. Counselors, internet celebrities, and self-care specialists will tell you that. However, Christians are not left to themselves for how they consider themselves or how they describe themselves. God tells us about ourselves in Scripture, including in Psalm 51. However, these words don’t come with a lot of positivity. In fact, many people would say that it isn’t helpful to focus on our transgressions, sins, and iniquities. Confessing that we have been sinful since our conception, even before our birth, doesn’t line up with “the power of positive thinking.”

The power of positive thinking, healthy self-talk, or self-awareness won’t save you. The Lord confronts you with your sin, and denying the totality of your sin is simply living in denial. Don’t deny your sin. Don’t ignore it and pretend like it isn’t that bad. Scripture is true, and this God-given confession addresses the reality of your sin. The invitation to stand before the Lord and confess your sin is a powerful one. 1 John 1:8-9 says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God is faithful to you, and that’s why recognizing and confessing your sinfulness isn’t depressing.

Your faithful and just God comes to you with forgiveness and cleansing. How you describe yourself isn’t nearly as important as the transformation the Lord brings for you. After all, Scripture also teaches us to beg God to wash us from our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin. This is no empty prayer or optimistic hope. This is a faithful prayer that recognizes God’s power to heal, save, and forgive. That’s exactly what He does for you. Your sin is terrible, horrific, and pervasive— and the Lord Jesus has forgiven your sin by grace through faith. Rejoice in God, who hears your prayer and cleanses you from all your sin and sinfulness! Take comfort in the fact that the Lord your God has forgiven your sin and cleansed you from all unrighteousness!

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)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

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

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 28, 2025

Today's Reading: Mark 10:32-34

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 40:1-23; Mark 10:32-52

[Jesus] began to tell them what was to happen to him,saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” (Mark 10:32c-34)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Sometimes, people get a “feeling” or a “premonition” of what will happen. Maybe that happens to you before a test, when you think either “I’ve got this covered, and I’m going to get an A!” or “This isn’t going to go well, and I hope to eke out a C.”  Maybe you have the feeling on the basketball court or softball field of how things are going to go. But those premonitions are fallible and don’t always come true. On the other hand, Jesus tells His disciples exactly what is going to happen to Him. This was no mere feeling that may or may not come true, but the prophecy of the Son of God who knows all things. He told His disciples exactly what would happen to Him in Jerusalem, down to the details of being spit on and mocked and flogged before His death.  

That threw the disciples into frightened conversation about what would come next. But Jesus called them back to the reality of what would happen to Him. After His death, He would rise again. This news of Jesus’ death and resurrection is the very heart of the Gospel. Jesus’ miracles and teachings are wonderful, but they mean nothing to sinners, including you, if Jesus didn’t die and rise again. Focus your attention on Jesus, who knew exactly what would happen in Jerusalem and went there for you.

When you have a feeling or a premonition that things won’t go well for you, or when you think that things aren’t going your way, set aside those self-centered feelings and focus on the eternally true fact that the Lord Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose for you. He was spit on and mocked and flogged and crucified for you, but death could not hold Him. He did all that for you. His death and resurrection brings you the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. He didn’t turn aside from that suffering but suffered and died for you. Those words from the cross are for you: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” You are forgiven by the perfect suffering and death of Jesus.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

What punishment so strange is suffered yonder! The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander; The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him, Who would not know Him. (LSB 439:4)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

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

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 27, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: The Creed - The Third Article

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 39:1-23; Mark 10:13-31

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean? 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 is most certainly true. - Small Catechism Creed, The Third Article

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely” (1 Thessalonians 5:23a)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“Sanctify” and “sanctification”  are words that probably remind you of confirmation class. Do you remember the definition of the word “sanctify”? In case you don’t, “sanctify” means “to make holy.”  So, “sanctified” means “made holy.” So, who drives the sanctification bus? Who is responsible for you being holy— God or you? St. Paul provides a blessing to his readers that “the God of peace sanctify you completely.” That means it’s God’s work. Dr. Luther, in the meaning of the 3rd Article of the Creed in the Small Catechism, confesses the same thing: “the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.” God is the Holy One who makes you holy.

Yet, you struggle when you fall into sin and when you are confronted with the reality that you do unholy things. Sometimes, you make willing decisions to do unholy things. Sometimes, you want to do the opposite of what’s holy. You can’t make yourself holy because that’s God’s responsibility. But you can make yourself unholy, and you can depart from God’s holiness. Sanctification is a Gift from God, but your sinful nature still fights against holiness. Still, the God of peace continually returns to you as He calls, gathers, sanctifies, and keeps you in His Church.

Are you a sinner whose sinful nature fights against God’s holiness that dwells in you? Obviously. Does that change the power of God to heal, save, and sanctify you? Of course not. The Lord your God blesses you with His holiness because He is holy, and He is your faithful God of peace. He keeps you blameless until the day of Jesus’ return. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

We all confess the Holy Ghost, Who from both in truth proceeds, Who sustains and comforts us In all trials, fears, and needs. Blessèd, holy Trinity, Praise forever be to Thee! (LSB 953:3)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

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

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 26, 2025 

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 37:1-36; Mark 10:1-12

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Temptation is serious business. There’s a reason this topic comes back again and again for Christians, especially in the season of Lent, just like there’s a reason that Jesus teaches us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation” in the Lord’s Prayer. As we are confronted with temptation that comes to us from our own sinful flesh and nature, from the world around us, and from the devil himself, we hear with relief that the Lord will provide the way of escape so that we can endure temptation.

But this verse is written in context with other verses around it. In 1 Corinthians 10, St Paul writes about the timeless temptations that confront God’s people. As he reflects on the people freed from slavery in Egypt, he points out the temptations to idolatry, to sexual immorality, to test God, and to grumble about God’s will. Not only did God’s Old Testament people face these temptations, but many fell into sin and were judged by God. Idolatry, sexual immorality, and grumbling about God’s will aren’t only temptations thousands of years ago in the wilderness but also today. In your bedrooms, in your living rooms, in the classrooms where you learn, temptations come. Not only does temptation come to you, but you sometimes fall into sin.

The comfort of 1 Corinthians 10:13 isn’t that the Lord will free you from temptation or that you will perfectly stand up under temptation. The way of escape from temptation is the Lord Jesus Christ. In the midst of your temptation and in the midst of falling into sin, Jesus brings forgiveness. When you are tempted, pray that Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and keep you from sin and evil. And when you fall into sin, pray that Jesus covers you with His forgiveness. In His grace, you endure temptation. By the work of the Holy Spirit, you are strengthened against temptation. By the grace of God, you are forgiven and redeemed. You endure all things by the grace and mercy of God, even when it seems like you are a failure as a Christian. Your “success” as a Christian isn’t up to you; it completely relies on the grace of God that makes you righteous and holy as a saint of God. 

 In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

In your hearts enthrone Him; There let Him subdue All that is not holy, All that is not true: Crown Him as your captain In temptation’s hour; Let His will enfold you In its light and pow’r. (LSB 512:5)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

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

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 25, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 35:1-29; Mark 9:33-50

[The angel answered her,] “For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:37-38)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

This isn’t the way that parents usually find out they are having a baby. There was no pregnancy test, no excitement and fear for a couple, no looking at calendars or dates. There was just an angel, a virgin, and a promise. When Mary asked how this would be since she’s a virgin, Gabriel simply replied that nothing is impossible with God. The Lord of Life established a normal way for babies to be given life— but that doesn’t mean that He can’t create babies in an extraordinary way. Jesus, the Lord of life Himself, was conceived of Mary in an extraordinary way without a human father. After all, nothing is impossible with God, and in this way, God in the flesh is conceived. That’s why we celebrate this holiday nine months before Christmas.  

Mary, the new mother, responds in faith: “Let it be to me according to your word.” She has no more questions about how this will take place but simply recognizes God’s action in her life and in her womb. Mary is called to a unique role. No one else is the mother of God in the flesh. Jesus only has one mom, and she’s it. No other woman is called to bear the Savior of the World.  

Yet, Mary is an example to every Christian as she hears God’s promise and reacts in faith. When the Lord speaks the truth to you, it doesn’t matter if it makes sense or if that’s usually the way things work or if that’s the way you would do it. What does matter is that God accomplishes His will and that He is merciful and gracious to you. The Lord Jesus was born of a woman, under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:4-5)  You are redeemed and rescued from sin because God makes and keeps promises to you.

Today, confess your faith in the Lord. You are His servant. Let all things be for you according to His Word. The Lord of life has come to save you from sin, death, and the devil. Join in the faith of the whole Church, including Mary, that Jesus has come to save His people from their sins.  

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Lord, as we have known the incarnation of Your Son, Jesus Christ, by the message of the angel to the virgin Mary, so by the message of His cross and passion bring us to the glory of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

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

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!