July 25, 2025

Today's Reading: Mark 10:35-45

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 9:1-27; Acts 21:37-22:16

“For whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43b-45)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

When James and his brother John ask to sit beside Jesus as He enters His glory, they don’t realize that Jesus will enter that glory with hands and feet nailed to the rough wood of a cross, and so will the two who are granted to sit at his right and left (the two thieves), all three lifted up before the people as worthless transgressors.

If only James and John knew what they were asking – what was to come – they might flee from Jesus too soon, before being witness to His suffering and death. Every day we are reminded of what it means to live by God’s grace. Every time we suffer any trial, every thorn piercing our side, we are reminded, “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

James and John will indeed know what it means to drink from the same cup as Jesus; to be baptized with His Baptism. For John, exile and isolation from his people. For his brother, James (the one being honored this day), death by the sword of Herod (Acts 12:1-2). But even before they drink from that cup, the trials of taking up one’s cross and following Christ will teach them what it is to live by God’s grace.

Who is the greatest? The greatest in the kingdom of heaven is The One who came not to be served, but to serve. The greatest is The One who, “though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave.” (Philippians 2:6-7)

When you are tempted to think yourself greater than others, look to Jesus and be humbled by His greatness. When you worry about who might be greater than you, take comfort in the greatness of Jesus. Be drawn into His greatness, proclaim His Gospel, serve your neighbors when they need you, and allow others to serve you when your need is greatest.

Rejoice that you are baptized with the same Baptism as Jesus. Gladly drink from the same cup as Jesus, which has become for you the cup of salvation. In it, you have a seat of honor awaiting you at the table of the marriage feast of the lamb, whose kingdom has no end.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Lord, for James we praise You, who fell to Herod’s sword; He drank the cup of suff’ring and thus fulfilled Your word. Lord, curb our vain impatience for glory and for fame, Equip us for such suff’rings as glorify Your name. (LSB 518:21)

Rev. Jeffrey Ries is the pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA.

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.

July 24, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - Fourth

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 8:1-22; Acts 21:15-36

“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

It's like a murder mystery! What killed the old man? Faith did! Faith looks to Christ and what He has done in His death and resurrection. Faith has no use for what the old man thinks he can do. The problem is, some semblance of the old man still has control of your will, and still thinks he has something to do with pleasing God. This struggle between God given faith and the will of our old sinful self continues for as long as we live. Luther reminds us, “The Christian life is nothing else but a daily baptism, and continuing ever after. For we must keep at it without ceasing, always purging whatever pertains to the old Adam, so that whatever belongs to the new creature may come forth … our Baptism is the very root of the Gospel in our lives.” (LC, 4)

What killed the old man? The Word of God and the water did! The pouring of water over your brow, “In the Name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” and the old man was dead as a doornail! Through Baptism, the old man was crucified with Christ – the whole body of sin with Adam, the head was drowned out. Only the lie of Satan makes the old sinful self appear alive to your heart and mind.

Who killed the old man? Jesus did! Each nail that pierced the flesh of Christ likewise pierced the old sinful self. The old man is dead and buried with Christ in Baptism.

Christ Himself was raised from the dead. For you, however, a grave with your name on it awaits. Will the risen Christ leave you there for dead? Certainly not! Baptism into Christ means Baptism into His death. Not any old ordinary death, but a death like His. Baptism into Christ means burial with Christ. Not any old ordinary burial, but a burial like His, from which the dead come back to life! Baptism into Christ means that you will be raised with Him! Not any old ordinary resurrection, but a glorious resurrection like His. United with Christ, you walk in newness of life.

Within that newness of life, the Holy Spirit works. He works through the Church of God, His Word, and sacraments, expelling the last recesses of that old sinful self. The attacks of Satan via that old man continue. But make no mistake; you are covered with Christ so that the attacks you experience from that dead old man (propped up by Satan) do you no real harm. They are nothing more than the feeble, futile assaults of a dead old man controlled by an angry, frustrated, defeated, dying devil. You are baptized, you are loved, you are Christ’s and His alone.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

There is nothing worth comparing to this lifelong comfort sure! Open-eyed my grave is staring: even there I’ll sleep secure. Though my flesh awaits its raising, still my soul continues praising: I am baptized into Christ; I’m a child of paradise! (LSB 594 v.5)

Rev. Jeffrey Ries is the pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA.

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.

July 23, 2025

Today's Reading: Colossians 1:21-29

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 6:19-7:17; Acts 19:23-21:14; Acts 19:1-22

“And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.” (Colossians 1:21-23)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Being reconciled to God in Christ’s death is not a metaphor. His body of flesh was nailed solidly to the rough wood. His broken body bled to death. In this, you were reconciled to God. Like the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, by your sin, you were hostile in mind and doing evil deeds, alienated from your eternal Father. Sin is what broke the relationship (“Sin breaks stuff!” -Rev. Harrison Goodman), and sin is what kept it broken. You could not repair your relationship with God any more than the Prodigal Son could have restored his relationship to his father (the best he could hope for of his own accord was slavery to his father’s household). The best you could do of your own accord is slavery to sin, and you were already there. But, like the Prodigal Son, your eternal father has restored you to Himself, making you an heir to His household, restoring you by His mercy. More than the fattened calf’s broken body merely signifying the reconciliation of the prodigal to His father, Christ’s broken body of flesh is your reconciliation to your heavenly Father! “Not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death,” (SC, 2nd Art) you, dear sinner, are presented, “holy and blameless and above reproach before (God).” (Col 1:22)

Begun (and continuing) in your Baptism, and by Christ’s work through His Church, you are kept stable and steadfast in this Gospel which you have heard and continue to hear. This is why you can, with Paul, rejoice in the sufferings inherent in the Christian life. The devil plants seeds of ungodly desire into your hearts and minds, making idols for you of the cares and goods of this fallen world. He tempts you to believe that suffering from any lack of earthly pleasure or treasure is cause for lament. In fact, while God’s created gifts do serve you in this life, the only lamentable suffering would be a life lived apart from Christ. But you have the riches of “Christ in you;” the “hope of glory” (Col 1:27) and a mystery made clear in the light of God’s Revelation in Christ.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

What is the world to me, with all its vaunted pleasure When You, and You alone, Lord Jesus, are my treasure! You only, dearest Lord, my soul’s delight shall be; You are my peace, my rest. What is the world to me! (LSB 730:1)

Rev. Jeffrey Ries is the pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA.

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.

July 22, 2025

Today's Reading: John 20:1-2, 10-18

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 5:1-6:3, 10-16; Acts 18:1-11, 23-28

“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).” (John 20:15-16)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Mary Magdalene knew the suffering of demon possession and the joyous relief of being healed from them, and she was a loyal follower of Jesus (Luke 8:2-3). From our text in John 20, we know that she knew the pain of losing a dear loved one to death; a trial with which everyone can (or one day will) identify. When a loved one dies, it never feels right; it is difficult to accept that we can no longer hear that voice or see that face. This was Mary’s struggle as she stood outside of Jesus’ empty tomb. She had witnessed every last horrific moment of His death right up until His last breath. She knew He was dead, but she struggled to accept it. It wasn’t right, and even worse, now His body was gone!

She didn’t know what to do, so she just stood there and started to cry. Death wounds those it takes from us, and it wounds us who are left behind. This was Mary’s experience as she sobbed, looking back into the tomb. But something was different now. There were angels there, and though Mary’s sorrow could never shake or destroy their joy, they were concerned for her. “Woman,” they ask, “why are you weeping?” She replied, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” (John 20:13). Worse than Jesus’ death was not being able to tend to His body as tradition dictated.

Mary’s grief is so deep that even a conversation with angels isn’t bewildering. So, she straightens up, and turns … and almost runs into the One who had never been far from her, even in her grief, even as she didn’t recognize Him. Finally, her eyes are open to Him as He says one word; He calls her by name, “Mary.”

“‘I have called you by name, you are mine,’ declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 43:1). “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27). Imagine Mary’s heart racing at the sound of her name spoken by the risen Christ. She stares in joy, rising like a flood and cries, “Rabboni!” It was really Him! Beyond all hope, it was the flesh and blood, wounds still visible but transfigured, shining in glory, Jesus! Her Jesus. The joys were only beginning. Jesus sends Mary, first to His apostles, with the message that He lives.

Death was not the end of Him; thus, it will not be the end of Mary, nor of the disciples, nor will death be the end of you. Mary was the first witness to Jesus's changing forever how we live, grieve, and die. Death still hurts us and separates us from loved ones, but Jesus has made it something we need never fear!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

We sing Your praise for Mary who came at Easter dawn to look for Jesus’ body and found her Lord was gone. But, as with joy she saw Him in resurrection light, may we by faith behold Him, the Day who ends our night! (LSB 855:11)

Rev. Jeffrey Ries is the pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA.

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.

July 21, 2025

Today's Reading: Genesis 18:1-10a (10b-14)

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 4:1-22; Acts 17:1-34; Acts 16:23-40

“[Abraham] ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, ‘O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.’ … The LORD said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, “Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?” Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.’” (Genesis 18:2b-3, 13-14)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Who is serving whom? Genesis 18:1-14 is a beautiful example of the relationship between faith and works. It shows the fruits of faith in God’s promise sprouting forth and bearing fruit in the works of Abraham.

Ordinarily, upon seeing the approach of sojourners, one as wealthy as Abraham would have given instructions to his servants and let them do the work involved with hospitality. But Abraham himself runs to them, begging them to be his guests, insisting that their presence would be to his benefit (“if I have found favor in your sight …”). He invites them to rest in a place of comfort, shaded by trees, and provides for them. He himself chose the calf (among his best!) and has it served lavishly with milk and curds. He requests Sarah to make bread from fine flour in amounts (3 seahs = 42lbs), allowing for such an abundance of bread that it will not run out. Abraham’s hospitality toward his visitors is extravagant.

What motivates Abraham to be of such high service to these sojourners? Whether or not he knows them to be God from the outset, it is God who motivates his generous service. Even before God’s promise to him of a son is given a second time (thus emphasizing its certainty and importance) Abraham’s faith has blossomed from its first pronouncement (Genesis 17:16), and his faith bears fruit in this lavish service which calls to mind Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats, “‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:40)

Who is serving whom? As lavish as Abraham’s hospitality is, that of his visitor (God Himself) is greater. In the context of this extraordinary meal, God reiterates His promise to Abraham of a son, which foreshadows the Son who will be the fulfillment of the promised offspring of the woman, promised since Genesis 3. We are sojourners in this fallen world. It is God (incarnate) Himself who runs to us, begging us to be His guests, insisting that our presence among Him would be to our eternal benefit, and serving us – inviting us to rest in a place of comfort shaded by His countenance. He Himself prepares the meal by His crucified body and shed blood, a lavish meal with such an abundance of His mercy, it will never run out.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

There dwells the Lord our king, the Lord our righteousness, triumphant o’er the world and sin, the Prince of Peace. On Zion’s sacred height His kingdom He maintains, and glorious with His saints in light forever reigns. (LSB 798:7)

Rev. Jeffrey Ries is the pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA.

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.

July 20, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 10:38-42

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 3:1-21; Acts 16:1-22

“. . . Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:40-42)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

You have been anxious and troubled about many things, distracted with much serving (and so have I). But Jesus’ concern isn’t serving, it’s distraction; distraction from the one thing that is needfull (necessary). Serving your neighbors (family, friends, classmates, coworkers, etc.) is a good and necessary aspect of your vocation as Christians. The Table of Duties in the Small Catechism gives examples of what this means. In this fallen world, there is always work to do for the good of others. There is nothing wrong (and everything right) with service to family, friends, community, and church. Martha’s desire to serve, in and of itself, was not wrong – in fact, it was completely right.

Martha was not wrong in her desire to serve, but in her troubled heart, trusting in her service to Jesus more than Him as her one thing needful. Her anxiety over loving and serving her neighbors (Jesus and others gathered) distracted her from the true purpose of Jesus’ presence. She had not grasped that Jesus came for her. Jesus “…came not to be served, but to serve…” (Matthew 28:20). While the one thing needful was right there at hand, Martha felt that serving Him was more important than being served by Him. Mary chose what is better when one is in the presence of Christ: she sat at His feet and received what He came to give.

Martha’s complaint to Jesus was rebuked not because He didn’t appreciate Martha’s service, but because Martha erred in thinking that Mary was wrong in her desire to be served by Him before serving. Both Martha and Mary represent critical aspects of living out your Baptism, loving God and loving neighbor (see Luke 10:27). But take care that your much serving doesn’t become more important than your being much served by Christ Himself. The former emanates from the law, which cannot save, but only curbs, accuses, and guides (necessary as that is). The latter is the Gospel itself, emanating from Christ our Savior, being necessary for salvation (John 6:27, Romans 5:21, Jude 1:21). It is the much-suffering of Christ (His crucifixion!) that saves you, and it will not be taken away! (See Small Catechism, Explanation to the 2nd Article, 2nd Paragraph)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Lord, grant us the Spirit to hear Your Word and know the one thing needful that by Your Word and Spirit we may live according to Your will; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, LSB)

Rev. Jeffrey Ries is the pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA.

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.

July 19, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 6 - Psalm 119:57-60, 64; antiphon: Psalm 119:105

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 2:18-36; Acts 15:22-41

“I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.” (Psalm 119:58)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Have you ever been given a weird gift? Like a dead bird by your dog? A rock from a younger sibling? A feather from a toddler? Maybe a sloppy kiss from a baby? You understand the sentiment… but what are you going to do with a dead bird? You are probably going to wipe the slobber off your face after that messy kiss. And yet, you can’t help but be grateful; you know that the gift was given with love.

I imagine myself as the dog or the sloppy baby giving myself up to God: Here I am! I’m a mess. I’m covered in sin, guilt, and shame. This hour/day/week/month/year/existence has been… rough. What is worse, though, is that I am not a cute little toddler giving something out of love— I am a dead enemy of God. Before Baptism, I am unable to come to Him (dead things can only be dead), let alone give Him a gift. And yet, along with the Psalmist, I am fervently asking Him for His favor.

It is the second part of this verse that is such tremendous comfort; in our prayers, we get to point to the promises that God Himself has made. In the Garden of Eden, He promised a Savior, and He kept that promise. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished,” and it was. In our Baptism, He promises forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation— and they are ours. He promises to give us the Holy Spirit to create faith within us, and we have Him. In the Lord’s Supper, He promises to feed and nourish us in His grace, and we receive the Bread of Life. When we pray, He promises to hear us— and He does. So, when I come to him as a mess, I can remember and be comforted by His promises.

It’s true. We come to God as broken sinners, day after day and week after week, and He meets us with forgiveness, mercy, and grace. We come to Him as beggars, and He treats us as His Beloved Children. He is gracious. He does remember His promises. And what’s more? He forgets our sins! He covers our shame, guilt, and deadness—Jesus paid for that; it is gone. He keeps His promises and gives us His favor abundantly.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Wait, then, in quiet confidence, Your anxious thoughts at rest. God knows your needs before you ask And works for what is best. (LSB 771:3)

- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.

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.

July 18, 2025

Today's Reading: Galatians 6:1-18

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 1:21-2:17; Galatians 6:1-18

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

This is a tough requirement. This is a ‘daily failure’ level of task. Well, not the first part. I would be all too happy to catch someone doing the wrong thing. That part is easy. Judging others, especially if they are doing worse actions than I am, is sinfully satisfying. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

The tough part? Restoring him in a spirit of gentleness. Gentleness? Where’s the fun in that? I would much rather judge from my morally superior position and deign to offer guidance. And being reminded to watch myself against temptation? That doesn’t seem necessary— remember, I am the one judging… I’m above all that sin stuff. But then it continues to the impossible… bear one another’s burdens? Fulfill the law of Christ? I don’t want to be known like ‘she is.’ I don’t want to be caught spending time around ‘him.’ And yet.

Dear redeemed sinner, these words are a gift. They remind us, who love to focus on ourselves, that we are actually here for one another— we are here for our neighbors. A friend or family member may be caught in sin; these words remind us that we get to love them and teach them as Jesus does for us. Jesus went to the cross, without sin, and paid for the sin of the whole world. He defeated sin, death, and the devil by rising again. That is the message we get to share. We tell the truth, sin is sin, and yet we do it as a fellow forgiven sinner.

Community, family, and relationships with others are Gifts from a loving God. Interacting with sinners is hard, and yet it is a joyful burden. We get to live redeemed and forgiven. We get to be reminded that we are part of God’s family. God has more grace than you have sin; you get to be the one He uses to share that grace and mercy with others around you. Rejoice in your vocations even as your Lord and Savior rejoices that you are His Child. Share His mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love; not as a work, but as an outpouring of what you have received in your Baptism, in the Words of Absolution, in the Lord’s Supper, and through God’s daily care of you.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God would not have the sinner die; His Son with saving grace is nigh; His Spirit in the Word declares How we in Christ are heaven’s heirs. (LSB 571:3)

- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.

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.