July 19, 2023

Today's Reading: Luther’s Small Catechism, Apostle’s Creed: Second Article Part 3

Daily Lectionary: Joshua 6:6-27, Acts 10:18-33

-in order that I might be His own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness; even as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When I hear the word “kingdom” I usually think of a king sitting on a throne with his knights, loyal subjects and people serving him.  Whatever the king wants, the king gets.  The king is in charge and if you don’t obey, you are an insurrectionist and deserve death.   This is not how the kingdom of God works for you. 

During holy week, when Jesus enters into Jerusalem we hear the shouts of “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” The people of Jesus were longing for their king to come in and rid them of the Roman authorities. Later on King Jesus is betrayed, arrested and put on trial.  The  “King of Kings and Lord of Lords,” submits to the authorities of both the Jews and Gentiles.  As Jesus is on trial with Pontius Pilate, Pilate asks the crowds who they want him to release, Jesus or Barabbas.  The crowds demand that Barrabas be released. Barrabas, who’s name means, “son of the Father” was not a robber, but an insurrectionist. He was known for rebelling against the Roman authorities. The crowds were disappointed in the Kingdom of God Jesus brings.

Jesus' Kingdom is a Kingdom where the King becomes the servant even to the point of dying for the entire sins of the whole world.  This kingdom which is at work for you today.  After King Jesus rises from the dead He tells His disciples that “All authority in heaven and earth are given to Me…” (Matthew 28).   No government, king, president or anyone else can take this authority from Him, as His kingdom grants you “righteousness, innocence, blessedness and resurrection.”  

In the Divine Service Jesus’ Kingdom comes to you through His Word and Sacraments. In the Divine Service we pray the words of our King in the Lord’s Prayer.  We pray, “Thy kingdom come”, and we specifically pray those words during the liturgy of Holy Communion.  The prayer for the Kingdom of God to come is immediately answered as you hear the Words of Institution and receive the King’s flesh and blood in the Eucharist.  Yes, Jesus reigns from the right hand of God the Father, but He doesn’t rule as a terror or taskmaster.  He reigns and brings His kingdom to you so that maybe forgiven by His blood and constantly reminded that His kingdom is yours now and forever. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, You release us from out bondage to sin, death, and the devil as the healer of the nations. When it came time to release You, the crowd chose a murderer instead. Through our death and resurrection with You in the waters of our Baptism, may we continually be released from our sins as we confess You to be our everlasting King; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

-Pastor Kent Schaaf is Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock. AR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey.

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.