October 21, 2023

Today's Reading: Introit to Pentecost 21: Psalm 121:1-4, 7-8; antiphon Psalm 121:5

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 4:1-20, Matthew 7:13-29

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Psalm 121 is a “song of ascent”. It was sung by the pilgrims who were making their journey to Jerusalem and the temple.  Their journey was often met with intense heat, rocky terrain, dangerous roads and even people who would rob or kill them. This Psalm is the perfect Psalm to describe the beginning and end of your life as a Christian.

In the life of the church we typically use Psalm 121 in the rite of Holy Baptism and sometimes at funerals.   Baptisms and funerals are the two events that are a part of every Christian’s life.  Baptisms and funerals go together perfectly.  In Baptism you are connected to Jesus’ death and resurrection, you are washed clean and walk in the newness of life.  At a funeral the first thing we do is acknowledge that the deceased “IS” baptized, not was baptized. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection the deceased will rise again on the last day in resurrection of all flesh, never to die again.  Likewise for us living today that means that in your Baptism you are clothed in Christ. Even as we journey in the treacherous paths of life, through danger, suffering, even in the valley of the shadow of death Jesus keeps you and guards you from all evil.  Jesus has placed the sign of the cross on your forehead to mark you as one who is redeemed by His blood. By all these promises God who watches over our comings and goings now and forever more. . In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

There is nothing worth comparing to this lifelong comfort sure!  Open-eyed my grave is staring: Even there I’ll sleep secure.  Though my flesh awaits its raising, still my soul continues praising:  I am baptized into Christ; I’m a child of paradise! (LSB 594:5)

- Pastor Kent Schaaf is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock. AR..

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.