October 31, 2023

Today's Reading: Romans 3:19-29

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 11:26-12:12, Matthew 12:22-37

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it. (Romans 3:21)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  Words of law are always the most optimistic. “This is what we should do.  I have a plan.” They bear witness to righteousness.  They just can’t give it.  It would come from the Law if we could fulfill it.  All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Words of Law will leave you wanting to love Jesus but getting lost under hating yourself.  Looking for an excuse for everything you do that He says not to, which usually just means finding someone else to hate instead.  We can’t help but see the worst intention in people because deep down we know our own. 

We know what we did this week, and try to ignore the fact that God saw it too.  We know what we’re called, and what we can’t unsee when we look in the mirror.  We know how tiring it gets to balance our accomplishments against our failures on a lopsided hill.  Every mouth is stopped sooner or later.  But it’s Reformation Day so let’s just tell the story of Luther and a church door. Christianity has become a race to not actually needing Jesus anymore.  And it doesn’t work.  

The Law bears witness to how things are supposed to be.  It just can’t get us there.  So, God, in mercy, fulfills it for us.  Then bears Himself the wrath we rightly deserve. The righteousness of God is manifested on the cross.  It’s called the Gospel.  Jesus died for you.  For all the things that you have done and been through that aren’t the way they’re supposed to be.  And your sins are forgiven.  You are holy. You are baptized.  The righteousness of God is manifested in that font for you. You wear that righteousness.  And in Christ, even the Law bears witness to you.  It paints a picture of how God sees you. It paints a picture of good that you can freely live in, because it doesn’t measure you.  It was measured in Christ. It is finished. It is yours. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

- Pastor Harrison Goodman is content executive for Higher Things.

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.