Today's Reading: Small Catechism: Tenth Commandment

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 34:29-35:21; Luke 7:36-50 

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor's wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty. (Small Catechism: Tenth Commandment) 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. While the Ninth Commandment deals with coveting "stuff" that belongs to our neighbor, the Tenth Commandment is really about coveting other people. That may sound rather odd. But think for a moment about the people who are all around you. Think about your parents or your teachers or your spouse. You might say in your heart, "I wish I had different parents," "I wish I had different teachers," or, "I wish I had a different husband or wife or boyfriend/girlfriend." 

It always seems that other people have individuals in their lives who are cooler than the ones that God has placed into your life. This has caused us to do so many different things in order to separate others from the relationships that God has established. The Ninth and Tenth Commandments remind us that we are never fully satisfied with what God will give to us. We have truly squandered all that we have, including everyone around us. 

Yet Jesus still seeks you out in the midst of your covetousness. Our Lord is always seeking you out, no matter how disappointed you are in Him. As you walk by the baptismal font at your church, be reminded that in that wonderful gift of Baptism Jesus has called you by name. You are His because He has set you free from the sins and temptations of your heart. Now you walk in the newness of life and by faith you can come to realize the true value of everyone Jesus has placed into your life, all because Jesus gave Himself up for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

What is the world to me! My Jesus is my treasure, My life, my health, my wealth, My friend, my love, my pleasure, My joy, my crown, my all, My bliss eternally. Once more then I declare: What is the world to me! ("What Is the World to Me" LSB 730, st.4)

-Rev. Kent Schaaf is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Little Rock, AR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Over eight sessions, The Messiah: Revealing Jesus in the Old Testament will lead you through the entirety of the Old Testament with daily readings, questions, and discussion prompts. After a brief introduction that reviews Christ's earthly ministry, you will dive into the heart of the Holy Books that have spiritually nourished God's people from creation to today! Now available from Concordia Publishing House.