January 24, 2024 

Today's Reading: Matthew 24:42-47

Daily Lectionary:Joel 3:1-21; Romans 12:14-13:14

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.” (Matthew 24:45-47)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In these passages, Jesus is teaching about the end times. Specifically, He is instructing Christians to care for one another and encourage one another in the faith. We can rejoice that we can do that for each other in our vocations. We can also be grateful for men whom God has called as pastors.St Timothy is a faithful and wise servant of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  St Paul and the council of elders laid their hands on Timothy, ordaining him to serve in Christ’s Church as a pastor. (1 Timothy 4:14)  Paul’s letters of 1 and 2 Timothy are addressed to this new pastor who was faithfully serving in the Lord’s Church. These books are full of expectations for pastors, as well as expectations for all Christians in general, and divinely-inspired commands for how to live as a Christian in this world.

“But,” you might say, “I’m not a pastor, and I’m never going to be a pastor!  What does St Timothy and the books addressed to him have to do with me?”  These words of God addressed to Timothy also apply to you.  You are a servant of God, no matter what calling you have.  When the Lord called you to faith in the waters of Baptism, He called you to take up your cross and follow Him, no matter what specific callings you have.  The example of St TImothy and the words addressed to him in Scripture are insightful for you.  

St Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:12 certainly apply to Pastor TImothy, but they also apply to all who are called to faith, including you.  These words, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity,” call you to live as an example in how you speak, how you act, how you believe, how you love, and in your purity.  Live as the child of God that He has made you through His Baptism.  

St Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is also helpful for you to hear.  It says, “ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  God has given you Scripture so that you read it, hear it, and take it to heart.  It is through His inspired Word that the Lord forms you, making you complete for His work.  

Today, as the Church remembers St. Timothy, rejoice that the Lord has called pastors in His Church.  Rejoice also that the Lord has sent His Scriptures to train all Christians, including you, in His Word.  Finally, thank God for the gift of salvation that you share with TImothy so that you and he are the Lord’s blessed servants in His kingdom, now and forever.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, You have always given to Your Church on earth faithful shepherds such as Timothy to guide and feed Your flock. Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and administer Your means of grace, and grant Your people wisdom to follow in the way that leads to life eternal; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

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

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.