May 3, 2025 

Today's Reading: Introit for Easter 3 - Psalm 145:4-7, 9; antiphon: Psalm 145:10

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 32:1-14; Luke 6:20-38

“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.” (Psalm 145:4-6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

What are the mighty works of God? Here we are in Easter 2, so perhaps the resurrection is the first thing that comes to mind, but I would imagine that many people might think of the crossing of the Red Sea, Noah’s flood, the battle of Jericho, or various miracles of Jesus. I’m sure you thought of something else I didn’t list there because there are too many to count. The Scriptures are overflowing with recitations of the mighty acts of God. And yet, all these acts are there to point us to the one singular most mighty act of God—the incarnation and all it encompasses. Many religions have tales of their gods doing various mighty acts like controlling the weather, the harvest, or perhaps how a side fares in battle. It is normal to brag about these sorts of things as demonstrations of your god’s power and as a way to call others into subservience to it. But our God is different. He demonstrates His mighty works by taking on human flesh, living, dying, and rising again, to show His power not over armies and weather (though certainly that, too), but to show His power over the one thing that ensnares all of creation—sin and death. There is no escaping the power of these forces; we are all subject to them regardless of where we live or how rich or poor we are. The richest man in the world cannot buy eternal life, a spotless conscience, or a ticket to Paradise; he is subject to this same leveling force that eventually captures all of humanity. We are all sinners, as demonstrated by the fact that we will all die. So our God demonstrates His mighty works by conquering sin, death, and Hell, not through strength, but through weakness, and giving forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation to all who would believe in Him. This is something so mighty and glorious that it’s paradoxically easy to ignore. There are many things that tempt us to do just that, but when we see it, we are grateful for those who spoke of it to us and are eager to speak of it to others. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O sing of Christ, whose birth made known The kindness of the Lord, Eternal Word made flesh and bone So we could be restored. Upon our frail humanity God’s finger chose to trace The fullness of His deity, The icon of His grace. (LSB 362:1)

- Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary Services

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

Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God’s people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.