September 29, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 10:17-20

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 1:19-36; Matthew 5:21-48

“The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!’ And he said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’” (Luke 10:17-20)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

These seventy-two men, proclaimers of the nearness of the Lord’s kingdom, were appointed to go ahead of Him, proclaiming and healing the sick. They were amazed that Jesus' command came with the power to accomplish His work. This is the same Son of God who commands the heavenly host, as St. Michael and His angels expelled Lucifer and his angels.

For our position in time and space, all that may seem fanciful. It’s not. Jesus has written the names of all of us, His baptized, in the Book of Life. His name, marking us in Holy Baptism, can even come with these words from Martin Luther’s Baptismal Rite. “Therefore, depart, you unclean spirit, and make room for the Holy Spirit in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (LSB Agenda, p. 13)

That’s a little exorcism. The expulsion of Satan isn’t little. But it’s short enough to escape our attention. Yet, in the baptismal waters, Jesus' command and the water do exactly that. That was when you first received the forgiveness of sins. Even Satan himself has no claim on you.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Everlasting God, You have ordained and constituted the service of angels and men in a wonderful order. Mercifully grant that, as Your holy angels always serve and worship You in heaven, so by Your appointment they may also help and defend us here on earth; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, La Grange, Texas.

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

Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you’ll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.