February 27, 2024

Today's Reading: Romans 5:1-11

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 21:1-21, Mark 6:35-56

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! (Romans 5:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The first article of the Apostle’s Creed confesses that God is almighty, righteous, and just. We confess that “we should fear, love, and trust God above things.” (SC) Of course we know well what love and trust entails, we are quite familiar with those words, feelings, and how that looks in our lives. But what about fear? How often do we think about fearing God? Of course, this fear isn’t necessarily the kind of fear you have of spiders, heights, or the dark. Instead, it is a fear of awe, wonder, and reverence. It is a fear that comes with knowing you deserve God’s wrath. 

You know this feeling. It’s that little voice in your head that reminds you of the sins you have committed. It comes in the quiet of night, when you lie restless in bed counting the different marks on your bedroom ceiling. In the silence Satan whispers in your ears, “You are a sinner, and God hates sin, so God hates you.” It is the feeling of oppressive guilt, the kind that buries itself in the pit of your stomach. This is the fear of God, knowing that we are unworthy. 

If this is you, if you stare into your past fearing the wrath of God over your sins, I want you to read these words from Martin Luther in a Pastoral Letter from 1530, that speaks true to you who read this today: “When the devil throws our sins up to us and declares we deserve death and hell, we ought to speak thus: ‘I admit that I deserve death and hell. What of it? Does this mean that I shall be sentenced to eternal damnation? By no means. For I know One who suffered and made a satisfaction in my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Where He is, there I shall be also.’” (Luther: Letters of Spiritual Counsel) Dear Christian, the wrath of God has been satisfied by Christ on your behalf. Know that your sins have been forgiven, and when you find yourself in that still quiet place, rest well knowing that you rest in the mercy of God who loves you.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness  My beauty are, my glorious dress;  Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,  With joy shall I lift up my head. (LSB 563:1)

- Pastor Caleb Weight is 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.

The Lutheran Reader’s Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God’s Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.