October 10, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 11:1-19

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 9:1-22; Matthew 11:1-19

“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:11-15)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

I love reading about John the Baptist. John the Baptist is so delightfully strange that it really catches my eye each time, no matter how many times I have read this section of St. Matthew’s gospel. Here is a man who has lived basically all his adult life on the fringes of society. He eats bugs, he dresses in a camel pelt (remember, delightfully weird), and he just blows up the Pharisees. What a job! Best of all, Jesus says that none born of woman is greater than John the Baptist!

Hold up, what?

Now that always confuses me to no end. What does that mean? Is Jesus just hyping up his friend and cousin, John the Baptist? Could be, but the operative thing (and what matters most for you, beloved in the Lord) is the next sentence. “Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (v. 11) That means me, that means you, that means everyone! We are greater than John the Baptist, not because John is bad in any way, but because Jesus is the greatest, and he gives that greatness to us in his death and resurrection!

This is even better news because of what comes right after. The Kingdom of heaven has suffered violence and will continue to until Christ returns. You may never suffer one iota for Christ, or you may lose your life, probably somewhere in between. But regardless, you cannot be taken out of the kingdom of heaven because you were given the ears to hear, and you have heard.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

When all the world was cursed By Moses’ condemnation, Saint John the Baptist came With words of consolation. With true forerunner’s zeal The greater One he named, And Him, as yet unknown, As Savior he proclaimed. (LSB 346:1)

Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 9, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - Of Civil Government

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 8:1-20; Matthew 10:24-42

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrong-doer.” (Small Catechism- Of Civil Government)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

In all likelihood, if you’re listening to this, you’re probably not a criminal. But you’re still a sinner. And you still struggle with this, just like everyone else. Because you, like everyone else, are hardwired to absolutely. Despise. Authority. In all its forms. You can see this if you pop way back to Genesis. Our first parents were given a law: do not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the Garden. One rule. One law. Directly from the one authority, the Almighty LORD, who was in their midst.

Broken, promptly.

Ever since then, we have been hardwired to buck and kick against authority. All of creation has as well. Ever tried to ride a wild horse? Or get a donkey to go where he really doesn’t want to? You learn very quickly that authority does not come naturally to us. We hate it. We resist it. Because we have the same illness that Adam and Eve had. We want to be like God. Hence, Dr. Luther’s admonishment here in this table is for our good. Because, like he says, rulers are not a terror to good conduct, to the “good guys,” but to bad conduct. It is through the arm of civil government that God grants us peace in our days.

Will there be bad government? Absolutely. History is rife with examples of not just bad, but downright evil governments. And we are citizens of this Kingdom here on this earth, good or bad, and we have to keep the Fourth Commandment, good or bad. So yes, there will be bad kingdoms. But God will sort them out. He always does. But as for you, dear saints in Christ, revel in the fact that you are ultimately a subject of the kingdom of heaven, and that supersedes anything on Earth.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O merciful Father in heaven, because You hold in Your hand all the might of man and because You have ordained, for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do well, all the powers that exist in all the nations of the world, we humbly pray You graciously to regard Your servants, our President; the Congress of the United States; our Governor; and all those who make, administer, and judge our laws; that all who receive the sword as Your ministers may bear it according to Your Word; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Bidding Prayer)

Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 8, 2025

Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 7:1-19

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 7:1-19; Matthew 10:1-23

“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

What does it mean to be “holy to the LORD?” In the rest of our Deuteronomy reading, we see the LORD giving specific instructions to the people of Israel to destroy all the religious items of the people whose land they are about to inhabit. Breaking down altars, chopping down pillars, dashing idols into pieces… sounds fun… but why? What does that have to do with being “holy to the LORD?”

The truth is, you cannot serve two masters. Israel should have learned this lesson long ago. The golden calf incident, right after their deliverance from Egypt, should have been the beginning and end of this idolatrous streak. But if you read the rest of the Old Testament, this is not he case. The people of Israel CONSTANTLY struggle with idolatry, chasing after the power of other nations by worshipping their gods. Because that’s what it's all about. It’s about getting what you want. Baal can make it rain… or so his followers say. Other gods can grant you children, at least that's what their devotees claim.

But these mute idols are just that… mute idols. They are powerless images that, at best, mean you’re directing your worship towards a bit of wood and stone, and at worst, a demon in disguise. Either one is bad. But there is good news, beloved in the Lord! God has called you, yes, little old you, out of the darkness and into his marvelous light! Through the might of His Son Jesus, He has conquered all idols, calling all his people throughout time back to him to be a people holy to the Lord. In the flock of God… that’s holy to the Lord. You are holy to the Lord.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Let us also live with Jesus. He has risen from the dead That to life we may awaken. Jesus, You are now our head. We are Your own living members; Where You live, there we shall be In Your presence constantly, Living there with You forever. Jesus, let me faithful be, Life eternal grant to me. (LSB 685:4)

Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 7, 2025

Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 6:10-25; Matthew 9:18-38

“who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” (2 Timothy 1:9-10)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Vocation can be an overwhelming thing to think about. It’s really tempting to reduce vocation down to one thing: what do you do for money? Are you a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, or a grocery store worker? Do you work in a factory where you make little metal bits that combine with other little metal bits to make even bigger metal bits? Or maybe you are in high school and you make your coin by grilling hamburgers at the local baseball field (been there!). The temptation of the doctrine of vocation is to zero in on just your “for money job” and try to be the best that you can be at it. But that’s only one facet of the doctrine of vocation! Your vocations (plural!) are everything in life that God has called you to do! That can sound a little overwhelming, and well, it is. You will not do it all right the first time. Maybe even the second time, too. You will fail.

But does your sin and failure mean that you are doomed? By no means! The “holy calling” is that of a forgiven child of God. Your status as that child was given to you, not on the merits of you and your work, but on the merit of His dear Son, Jesus. Our works are, at their very best, stained and filthy. We do not do them perfectly. If you’ve been paying attention for ten minutes, you know that. But the crimson flood of the blood of Jesus cleanses you from those stains and those sins. God’s grace, given through Jesus, is what proclaims you as a forgiven and redeemed child. Thanks be to God for that.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Christ, the way that leads unfailing To the Father’s home on high, Christ, the truth that frees the captive, Christ, the life that cannot die. Mediator to the Father, Sacrifice and great High Priest: Lead us to Your heav’nly mansions, There to share Your wedding feast. (LSB 540:5)

Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 6, 2025

Today's Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 5:22-6:9; Matthew 9:1-17

“Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” (Habakkuk 1:3-4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The days are evil. That’s written somewhere, and it could not be more true. What I just said would be true no matter who was in charge, where you lived, or what church you attended. You look around and you see the wicked prospering, and you, you little innocent lamb, always seem to be seeing the gleam of the teeth of the wolf in the darkness. Nothing is going right. Everything is going wrong. We’re dying out here, God. Got any help?

The good news is that, yes, God does indeed have help. His son Jesus is our refuge and fortress. Jesus is the place where we can flee and fly to when it's all falling apart and even when it seems to be going well. Your sins are forgiven, and your eternal life is guaranteed! The devil, the world, and your sinful flesh can only put up a fight for so long. Satan (and his minions) know that their time is short because when Christ returns, none of what the prophet Habakkuk describes will fly. God will make it right on the Last Day. How do I know? Because that is what God has promised. We have been given a foretaste of it in the work of Jesus. I’m looking forward to that day.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, destroy the weapons of those who delight in war and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end all conflicts in the world. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Prayer for Peace in the World).

Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 5, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 17:1-10

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Matthew 8:18-34

“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Rebuking is the fun part. You’ve been hurt badly. Their words ring in your ears, and one part of you cannot believe what you just heard. “They called me WHAT?” “I can’t believe they did that.” But that other part of you starts digging down, mining the depths of the Law to try and get them. There it is. You’ve got them now. Like an attorney about to play the winning bit of evidence, you triumphantly display it. “What about the 8th commandment?!” you cry. A little rush of triumph. That did it. That took the air out of their tires. Shoulders droop, tears flow. Out come the words.

“I’m sorry.”

What’s your next move? Your sinful flesh has the answer. Leave them to sit in the mess that they have made. Draw it out. Make them feel it. Make them sting. Make them hurt like they hurt you.

But that’s the sinful flesh talking, and that’s not how we as Christians are called to act toward those who are repentant. Because that’s not how God acts toward us. You know your sins. You know your fallen state. You know that your transgressions are too many to count. You know that God doesn’t deal with us as we deserve, that the blood of Jesus cleanses all our sins, and that the Lord’s forgiveness means that we are spotless before Him.

So, what do you do with your friend who sinned against you? Treat them exactly as God has treated you, and give them the same words.

“I forgive you.”

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, by Your grace hear the prayers of Your Church. Grant that those things which we ask in faith we may receive through Your bountiful mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

October 4, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 17 - Psalm 119:162, 164-165, 167; antiphon: Psalm 119:166

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 4:21-40; Matthew 8:1-17

“I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I do your commandments. I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. Seven times a day I praise you for your just and righteous decrees. Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly. I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I do your commandments.” (Psalm 119:162, 164–165, 167; antiphon: v. 166)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Tomorrow’s introit is from nearly the end of the great psalm with its 176 verses. Here, the psalmist hopes for the salvation of the Lord.

An antiphon opens and closes the recitation of a Psalm or introit. It gives us a lens of sorts to view the text. Verse 166 gives us a thumbnail of the Christian life. Live in your salvation, do the Commandments, fail, remember your Baptism, wash, rinse, repeat. We long for His salvation day after day.

Rejoicing in God’s Word is also our life in Christianity. It’s interesting that Jesus speaks to us the same way we pray the Psalms about Him. We rejoice at the great treasure in His work. He’ll sell all that He has, giving up His life for you, the treasure in a field. No price is too great for Him. He even gives us the spoils of His victory. He clothes us in a robe of His righteousness.

Martin Luther and others taught that verse 164 was the basis of the medieval church's “hours” prayer. The hours: Matins, Prime, Terce, Sext, Nones, Vespers, and Compline were prayed in monasteries throughout Europe. They took a literal approach to praying. And there’s no harm in that. Muslims pray five times a day. Couldn’t we do the same or more? Shouldn’t we?

Yes, we ought. But our prayer accomplishes something. The dead Muslim god can do nothing. But our Jesus hears our prayer. He has the power to save us. Moreover, He does exactly that, forgiving and refreshing us day by day.

We end as we began. Live in your salvation, do the Commandments, fail, remember your Baptism, wash, rinse, repeat until the day that salvation dawns.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve you with a quiet mind; Through Jesus Christ, your son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, La Grange, Texas.

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

Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you’ll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

October 3, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 7:13-29

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 4:1-20; Matthew 7:13-29

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-20)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Jesus spent a fair amount of time warning us about false prophets. These ravenous wolves, who ought to be festooned with millstone necklaces and cast into the sea, will likely not see their wages on this side of the resurrection.

The fruits are the key here. Unlike our fruits or good works among our neighbors, the false teachers’ fruits are borne in where their teaching leads. Sometimes it’s coarse, like teaching that God did not create the heavens and the Earth, or that Jesus didn’t live, die, and rise again in His flesh for your salvation from sin. Sometimes the false teaching is more subtle, like a historical Jesus serving as an example of righteous living rather than a propitiation for sin. Or, a Jesus whose all-encompassing love doesn’t forgive sins, but simply ignores and embraces them.

In each case, the false teacher leads us away from the truth, the center of the Christian faith. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And, Jesus, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God was counted with us sinners in our place to bear our sin and be our savior. He died and rose again to forgive us and free us from the bonds of sin. The false teacher deliberately or accidentally seeks to lead us away from that central truth into something else, which seems good. Don’t fall for that malarkey. You know the scriptures and the truth better than you may even realize. You have the Word of God and faithful teachers to guide you.

The promise here is that our Lord will set things right on the Last Day. Those false teachers, who have persisted in their wickedness, will receive their reward—eternal fire. He will preserve you from the troubles they brought into your ears forever. In Christ, you will only know His word and His salvation.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word; curb those who by deceit or sword would wrest the kingdom from Your Son and bring to naught all He has done. (LSB 655:1)

Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, La Grange, Texas.

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

Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you’ll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.