Today's Reading: Small Catechism: The Apostles Creed, First Article, pt.2

Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 16:1-24; Luke 10:1-22

He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil." (Small Catechism: The Apostles' Creed)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Life is dangerous. We do not really like to talk about it, but it feels like there is danger around every corner. The most insidious danger, however, is evil, or what Paul refers to as "unrighteousness" in Romans 1:18: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth."

It is true that God's wrath will be revealed on the Last Day when the LORD judges all people, but the wrath of God is revealed now, too (this is a both-and). How do we see it? We see it in all the pain and trouble that is caused by the evil that is here and now. This evil in the world is both progressive (it gets worse) and contagious (it spreads like a virus).

But God in His mercy has done something about it. That is, there is something else that has been revealed for the here and now, namely, the power of the Gospel. It is the righteousness of faith as the gift of our faith holds to Jesus! This is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe! (Romans 1:16-17) You have Christ now, baptized Christian, and to have Christ is to have the One who has conquered and conquers all evil. When faith seizes Jesus (holds to Him like crazy), then Jesus' life becomes ours. He becomes our covering and shield, and He becomes our defender against all evil in this world. This is not a cosmic battle between equal forces, no! Jesus has already conquered! He is our champion and He is our warrior against evil. He has all power and authority and Satan in the face of Jesus has none. Yes, there is danger around every corner, but while holding to Christ and His righteousness for you through faith in Him, you have nothing to worry about. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

I walk in danger all the way. The thought shall never leave me That Satan who has marked his prey, Is plotting to deceive me. This foe with hidden snares May seize me unawares If I should fail to watch and prey. I walk in danger all the way. I walk with Jesus all the way, His guidance never fails me; Within His wounds I find a stay When Satan's pow'r assails me; And by His footsteps led, My path I safely tread. No evil leads my soul astray; I walk with Jesus all the way." ("I Walk in Danger All the Way" LSB 716, st.1, 5)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch