May 22, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - The Fourth Petition

Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 24:1-23; Leviticus 25:1-55; Luke 12:54-13:17

God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Have you ever wondered why there are people who aren’t Christian, even who are opposed to Christianity, yet who acquire a great deal of worldly wealth and success? That’s actually a common theme in the Bible. If you read the Psalms, you see the psalmists asking regularly how long their enemies will have success over them. So, you’re in good company for asking the question. It’s a logical question, too. If these people are opposed to God and even harming God’s Church, why doesn’t God cut them off from the money or things they have available to cause this harm? 

Jesus gives us some commentary when He tells us that God “makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). So, what does Jesus say there? Well, in the words around this statement, Jesus tells His disciples to love even their enemies and to pray for those who persecute them. So, when you see these evil people receiving these good Gifts, it’s a reminder to still love them, even if they’re persecuting the Church, for you to pray for them. 

But how could that be? How can we love our enemies and pray for those who seek our harm? Because God has first loved us. Because when we were still God’s enemies, He sent His Son to die for the very sins that had put us at enmity with God in the first place. God is the One who loves and has even loved us. In fact, God loves those enemies that He’s providing for, too. 

Does this mean that there will be no justice? No, those who sinfully harm the Church because of their willful rejection of God’s Word will not enjoy the eternal benefit of what Jesus has done. They are not saved by grace because they have rejected the faith that receives this grace. But God still loves them. And He loves you, too. May that knowledge draw you to receive all of His Gifts, even the bread on your table with thanksgiving. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God you provide for all our needs of this body and life: clothing and shoes, house and home, loved ones, good weather, good government, friends, and all of the earthly Gifts we receive. Thank You for Your gracious care for us every day. Thank You most of all for the care You give to us in Jesus that will last forever. Amen. 

- Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.

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.