Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 7:11-8:12; Mark 3:20-35

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When is the day of our salvation? Was it when Jesus died on the Cross and rose again? Was it the day of your Baptism into Jesus' death and resurrection? Is it when you hear God's Word and receive His Holy Sacraments? The answer, Paul says, is "Yes. All of the above! Now is the day of salvation."

Ponder that for a moment. Your salvation happened the day Jesus was born for you. Your salvation happened when Jesus lived perfectly for you. Your salvation happened as Jesus died on the Cross for you. Your salvation happened when He rose from the grave on that first day of the week. Your salvation happened when He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. In God's gracious mystery revealed in Scripture, your salvation happened before the foundation of the world. And yet, Paul says, it also happens today. Now is the day of your salvation.

That means that your salvation happens, right now, as Jesus pleads for you, prays for you, and intercedes for you at the Father's right hand. Your salvation happens when you read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest His Holy Word. Your salvation happens when your pastor declares, "In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sin." Your salvation happens on the day of your Baptism and every day until our Lord returns in glory and raises us from the dead. Your salvation happens when you kneel and receive Jesus' Body and Blood for the forgiveness of your sins.

When God's Word fills your ears, now is the day of salvation. When you remember your Baptism, now is the day of salvation. When you eat and drink Jesus' Body and Blood, now is the day of your salvation. 

Because Jesus was born, lived, was crucified, died, was buried, and rose again in the past, God's gifts to you are always present tense. Yesterday's sins, today's griefs, tomorrow's burdens. They are all answered and borne by Jesus crucified for you. And not only on the Cross, but also today. For now is the day of your salvation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O God, by your Word you marvelously carry out the work of reconciliation: Grant that in our Lenten fast we may be devoted to you with all our hearts, and united with one another in prayer and holy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

-Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz is pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Learn more about your favorite hymns and find the deeper meaning behind the text with Eternal Anthems: The Story Behind Your Favorite Hymns. The book includes devotional commentary and historical facts from forty different contributing authors on fifty different hymns. Now available from Concordia Publishing House.