May 13, 2025

Today's Reading: Revelation 7:9-17

Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 10:1-20; Leviticus 11:1-15:33; Luke 9:37-62

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”  (Revelation 7:9-10)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Jesus speaks to His lamb: My dear lamb, sin is much dirtier than you can know. Only one thing can wash it away… only My blood washes away your sins. My Father sent me to cleanse you because He loves you.

When you were baptized, the Holy Spirit gave you this washing, and He keeps you in the true faith all your life.

In this life, you won’t see the washing with your eyes. You’ll still struggle with temptation and sin until you die. But you know you’re washed because I’ve told you— in My Word, in Holy Baptism, and when you eat and drink at my Supper. In all these ways, I give you forgiveness.

In Heaven, when I take you home, you will see my glory, and you’ll also see the forgiveness I’ve showered upon you with your own eyes. You will wear a robe I made for you, washed clean by My blood shed for you on the cross.

For now, though, you can trust that I have cleansed you from your sins and that I love you forever.

Jesus’ lamb responds to Him: Thank you, dear Shepherd. You know better than anyone how many sins I need to have washed away. When you wash them, they are gone forever. You set me free by Your grace. I don’t deserve the love that You’ve given to me. But You’ve promised never to stop loving me, and I believe You.

I’m sorry for the times I forget Your Word. Even after all You’ve done for me, I still chase after the sins You died to wash away. Please don’t let me forget the price that my forgiveness cost You.

Lead me in repentance every day of my life, and to walk with You in love.

Thank you for giving me salvation!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Around the throne of David, the saints, from care released, raise loud their songs of triumph to celebrate the feast. They sing to Christ their leader, who conquered in the fight, who won for them forever their gleaming robes of white. (LSB 672:3)

- Rev. Jeffrey Horn, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA.

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.