May 11, 2023

Today's Reading: Luke 12:54 - 13:9

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

 “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Alleluia! Christ is risen!  Perhaps you will be blessed to never have to cross the court system, but most of us will in some way. The courts exist to deal with our faults—from the parking ticket you got, to the taxes you thought you wouldn’t have to pay, to more serious crimes that involve sentencing. 

What’s our first reaction when we see that ticket on our windshield, the summons, or the police show up? It wasn’t my fault! They were being unfair! Look over there at how bad they are! Rarely is it, “I deserved that.” Why is it? Why can’t we be objective about our faults? It’s sin in us that resists and denies the truth. It reared its ugly head the minute God’s first accusation came, “Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you shall not eat?” (Genesis 3:11). If we can deny the truth of the guilt, then perhaps we can also get out of the deserved punishment. 

What Jesus is teaching in the Gospel reading today is both the sternness of the Law, and the comforting grace of what He has done for us. Interpreting the signs of the times is not an invitation to the next prophecy workshop, nor is the call to settle with your accuser practical legal advice. Both of these are declaring what St. Paul also says: “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God…Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians. 5:20, 6:2)

Today is the day to turn from your lame excuses and finger pointing. Repent of comparing yourself to others, and prepare for your own day before the judgment seat of Christ. The time our God has given us in this life is for continually hearing His Word and receiving His saving work. Though judgment is what you and I deserve, our Great High Priest intercedes for us.

In effect, He is like that vinedresser who says, “Sir, let it alone this year also” that even when we should be misled for a time, He might bring us back to repentance and bring forth its fruits. So, next time you smell manure, it can remind you of this Gospel. That’s what His sacrifice has done for us, that we might live.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, You despise nothing You have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts that lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness we may receive from You full pardon and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Ash Wednesday)

- Pastor Michael A. Miller is Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Jonathan Lackey is an LCMS seminarian.

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.