November 20, 2024

Today's Reading: Matthew 28:1-20

Daily Lectionary: Daniel 1:1-21; Matthew 28:1-20

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

It’s only been a few weeks since the election. This is being written months before it ever takes place, but that doesn’t change the message. Elections always end up the same way: there is a winner and a loser. There will be people who rejoice and people who are angry, sad, and maybe even afraid. There will be people who will think their savior has come and those who think doom has come. Maybe you don’t pay too close attention to elections, maybe you do, maybe they bring you anxiety and fear, or maybe you feel uncertain about the future. Well, if so, Jesus brings you Good News. Regardless of which nations rise and which nations fall, Jesus Christ is the King on the throne.

Christ has all authority not only in heaven but on earth as well. Christ has made the world his footstool, and He is the Lord over all things. But unlike the leaders of this world, elected or not, He is not a greedy ruler. He is not cruel, He is not selfish, He is not corrupt, and He does not fall in any other way to sin that affects those who hold the office or those who rule. Instead, Jesus is gracious. He is merciful, He is just, He is gentle, He is perfect, He is eternal. To confess that Christ is king is a confession of confidence and hope. Jesus is the Lord over your life, and He is a good and gracious Lord.

One can imagine the disciples were rather anxious about going out into the world after Jesus ascended into heaven. Their teacher, master, and Lord left them alone on that hilltop following the great commission. Yet, they would go into the world clinging to the promise He gave them. They would go on teaching and preaching the Good News of Jesus before hostile rulers, councils, emperors, and more. They would go on confessing Jesus Christ and Him crucified, holding to the promise that He made them. They would know that Christ the King would be with them always, to the end of the age, because He promised them. This is who Christ is: He is the Lord of all, the Lord who keeps his promises. To all people, and Christ keeps his promises to you.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Christ be my leader by night as by day; Safe through the darkness for He is the way. Gladly I follow, my future his care, Darkness is daylight when Jesus is there. (LSB 861:1)

-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.