November 26, 2024

Today's Reading: Revelation 1:4b-8

Daily Lectionary: Daniel 6:1-28; Daniel 9:1-27; Revelation 22:1-21

 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

We live in an extremely individualistic world, a world where the individual is at the heart of personal decision-making. We do not often consider others' happiness or safety when making decisions. Instead, it is about my happiness and success. It is about what keeps me safe and brings me joy. Love and care for our neighbor are usually secondary to loving and caring for ourselves. Self-care can be good, but it is seemingly abused for the selfish purpose of simply doing what you want to do. 

At its core, this is simply just an idolatry problem. This is what sin does. Science would tell us that the earth revolves around the sun. Sin says no, the earth revolves around you. Even more so, sin tells you that you are not just the center of the universe; you are god over your own life. What you say goes, what you want happens, and what makes you happy is most important. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or says because it’s all about you all the time—except for a few problems. You are not God. The earth does not revolve around you. You will die. 

One of the most helpful things I came to terms with when I began seminary was this: God is God, you are not. This is Good News. God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. God is the creator of all things, perfectly righteous, who is, who was, and who is to come. He laid the foundations of the earth, He put the stars in place, and the God who did all of that created you. The God who did all of that loves you. The God who did all that took on flesh and died for you. The God who did all of that forgives you. So, no, you aren’t the center of the universe. You aren’t God. But that’s Good News.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

We praise You and acknowledge you, O God to be the Lord, The Father Everlasting, By all the earth adored. To you all angel powers cry aloud, the heavens sing, The cherubim and seraphim their praises to You bring: “O holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth; Your majesty and glory fill the heavens and the earth!” (LSB 941:1)

-Rev. Caleb Weight, associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.

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

Spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.