November 19, 2024

Today's Reading: Hebrews 10:11-25

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 38:1-28; Jeremiah 39:1-44:30; Matthew 27:57-66

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Being a Christian is not as easy as some may think. The world rejects the Gospel of Jesus. In some places, it is outlawed; in others, it is frowned upon; in our own nation, it is no longer the cultural force it used to be. The church in America faces new challenges as it loses some of the privileges it once had. Yet, there is no reason to fear. Christ will sustain His church no matter what it looks like. He is Lord over all. Yet, as you go through life following Jesus, there is no doubt that fear, anxiety, and struggle will greet you. Satan will poke at your wounds, whisper poisonous lies in your ears, and remind you of old sins that have been forgiven. He will assault you relentlessly, especially those who follow Christ. This is all the more reason to heed the words of Hebrews, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

Christ has conquered all things. He has conquered the sin Satan throws in your face, He has conquered death that awaits you, and He has conquered the devil himself. He has kept His promises, of that you can be sure. Yet, if you find yourself doubting, go to church and, along with your fellow brothers and sisters, hear the promises of Jesus spoken and proclaimed. This church spurs one another along in love and good works, prays and cares for one another, and rejoices and weeps with one another. Do not try to stand against sin, death, and the power of the devil alone, but instead stand with Christ and all the faithful.

So, do not forsake the gathering together of the church. Do not forsake attending the Divine Service on Sundays. The less you go, the more weak spots you have, the more lies you’ll believe, and you’ll forget the forgiveness Christ has won for you. Instead, run to the house of the Lord as often as possible. Go and have your sins forgiven by your Pastor in Christ’s stead, receive Christ’s true Body and Blood in the Sacrament of the Altar, and rest assured in the promises of Jesus. This world is rough, life is difficult, and the burdens can be heavy, but Jesus will lead you on. He will carry the load, and He will invite you to rest.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

We share our mutual woes, We pour our ardent prayers; And often for each other flows The sympathizing tear. (LSB 649:3)

-Rev. Caleb Weight, 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.

Spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.