January 12, 2026

Today's Reading: Joshua 3:1-3, 7-8, 13-17 or Isaiah 42:1-7

Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 34:1-24; Romans 3:19-31

“I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.” (Isaiah 42:6–7)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Too often, we see the Old Testament—and especially the words of the prophets—as bad news. As nothing but proclamations of “Woe!” and “Misery!” and “Punishment!” upon the people. But that’s not all it says. Sure, there are those passages, but sweet words of promise are also scattered throughout the Old Testament, and this is a prime example of the Gospel.

This text is the first of the “Servant Songs” Isaiah proclaims to the people of Israel. The first of the clarifications of the coming Messiah and his mission among God’s people. What he will and will not do in order to restore creation to perfection in the age to come.

We can’t read these words and not see Jesus, though, can we? We’ve spent our whole lives hearing these words (or quotations of them from Sts. Matthew and Luke) and knowing that Jesus was the fulfillment of these promises. But to the Israelites, these were new ideas. These were promises that they didn’t really understand, because they were unsure of their future, and for good reason.

Almighty God proclaims through Isaiah that suffering is coming to his people (there’s the misery part!). They have sinned and continue to sin by flouting God’s commands and worshiping idols. But even this will be forgiven them when they hear the One God sends to them and turn to him in repentance.

God does not want to destroy his people. He wants to restore, heal, and lift them up. He wants to gather them together into the place he’s set aside for them, and that will happen through the work of the One to come, the One who will open eyes and free prisoners.

And He will do that with His words and His hands, and ultimately in the giving of His life for all people. The ultimate release from prison is resurrection and life everlasting. Death is the darkest dungeon, and Jesus has destroyed even that.

Isaiah proclaims that this is what is in store for God’s faithful people. Isaiah proclaims to you the same thing. Jesus has come to break God’s people out of bondage and make them a home in his presence for eternity. This is your future, with Him, forever.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Hail to the Lord’s anointed, Great David’s greater Son! Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun! He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free, To take away transgression And rule in equity. (LSB 398:1)

Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

January 11, 2026

Today's Reading: Matthew 3:13-17

Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 33:1-20; Romans 3:1-18

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’" (Matthew 3:13-15)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

John the Baptist was right, you know. Jesus had no need to be baptized. He is God made Man. He is the God-Man. He is righteousness enfleshed. Shouldn’t Jesus baptize the wild prophet from the wilderness instead? John at least understands how much of a sinner he is, and he knows that Jesus is the Lamb of God, the One who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus should be the one who baptizes!

Here again, though, you see the overwhelming grace of God at work for you. It seems ludicrous that Jesus insists that John baptize Him “to fulfill all righteousness.” But if you look at this from the perspective of Jesus being the only One who can do what you cannot, it makes perfect sense.

Here, Jesus goes even deeper into His State of Humiliation, setting aside His glory and might even more, going down into the muddy waters of the Jordan River to become the sponge that soaks up every sin washed into every font by every Baptism that happens throughout human history.

Jesus fulfills the righteous will of God the Father by absorbing into Himself, and even becoming, every sin ever committed. This is the moment when Jesus picks up your sinfulness, and every single sin you commit, and begins to bear it to His cross on Golgotha.

It’s still hard to comprehend. “No, Jesus! I don’t want you to have to carry my sin! You are God, why should you stoop so low and do such a distasteful thing?” But this is exactly what Jesus becomes man to do—to take from you what you cannot fix and restore it perfectly. To keep the Law of God perfectly, which you cannot. To love your neighbors more deeply than you ever could. To remake you into His perfect creation, a holy saint worthy of life with Him for all eternity.

All of that happens in the most pedestrian way possible. With plain water and the words “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Righteousness, fulfilled for you.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for The Baptism of Our Lord).

Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

January 10, 2026

Today's Reading: Introit for The Baptism of Our Lord - Psalm 89:1, 26-28; antiphon: Liturgical Text; Psalm 89:20

Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 19-32; Ezekiel 19:1-24:27; Romans 2:17-29

“I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’ And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him.” (From The Introit for The Baptism of Our Lord)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Tomorrow is the celebration of the Baptism of Our Lord and all of the strange and wonderful things that day brings: John the Baptist’s confusion, the voice from the rent-open heavens, the Holy Spirit descending “like a dove.” And God speaks to Jesus: “This is my beloved Son.”

The Introit for tomorrow helps set the stage with language you see all over Holy Scripture. Language of Father and Son, seen and explained by psalmists, prophets, Jesus Himself, and the writer to the Hebrews, to mention only a few.

In all of this, there is the clear proclamation that God the Father has sent God the Son to accomplish the task for which He was sent. The Son is obedient to the Father’s will and direction, and the Father honors Him for his steadfastness in the task ahead, even though it means a gruesome sacrifice to come.

The picture of perfection. The ideal that we sinful believers can never obtain on our own. The Son of God becomes man, submits Himself to God’s holy and righteous Law, lives a perfect life in our place, and stands as the substitute for our own deaths. Then, he gives the benefits of that perfection to all who call upon Him in faith. And in response, God the Father establishes His Son as the King of kings, the Lord of lords. He elevates Him to the highest place to honor what He has done for us and our salvation.

That shows you there’s a lot going on in the background of a simple Baptism in the Jordan River, doesn’t it? Our Lord and God does nothing halfway; He has a plan for everything. And that plan is to bring salvation to His people, to the world, to all who call upon His name in faith and trust.

A Baptism to set the stage for every Baptism. A Baptism that works the miracle of resurrection and salvation for all those baptized in the name of the Triune God. So the Father honors the Son for His saving work for you. And in response, we, too, give thanks to God for His mighty work.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

New songs of celebration render To Him who has great wonders done; Love sits enthroned in ageless splendor; Come and adore the mighty One. He has made known His great salvation Which all His friends with joy confess. He has revealed to ev’ry nation His everlasting righteousness. (LSB 792:1)

Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

January 9, 2026

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 3:12-27

Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 3:12-27; Ezekiel 4:1-11:25; Romans 2:1-16

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me…But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’ He who will hear, let him hear; and he who will refuse to hear, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.” (Ezekiel 3:17, 27)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

One of the most comforting (and also scary) things that it frequently takes pastors a long time to realize is what the Lord God says to Ezekiel: “I will open your mouth and you shall say.” Pastors sometimes get a little squirrely because they can be too concerned about how the people in their charge will hear the Word of the Lord. But that isn’t part of this discussion, is it?

Pastors speak what has been given them to speak, because they have been charged to do so by the Lord of the Church. Whether or not those with ears want to hear is irrelevant; the Word must be proclaimed so that it may accomplish that for which He sent it forth, as Isaiah says.

And this is what the hearers of that proclaimed Word need to hear: “[you] are a rebellious house.” Yes, the people of God, the hearers of His Holy Word, are rebellious, and they don’t want to listen. Sound familiar? Ever been a little stubborn about hearing what you needed to hear? That’s the Old Adam in you, that is your sinful nature, rebelling against the pure and holy Word of God because it is not pleasant for the dark sin within to be bathed in such holy light.

Yet, God the Father gives you a pastor to proclaim His Word to you, whether you want to hear it or not, because you need to hear it. You need to know how much your God and Lord loves you. You need to hear that His Son, Jesus, became flesh for you to live your life, to die your death, to bear your sin, to make you new.

It may not be pleasant to hear, and you may not like the fact that you cannot do all of this on your own, but that’s how it is. Almighty God does all of the work of saving you through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son. He baptizes you into that death and resurrection, and he grants eternal life to those who trust in that truth. So hear and trust that Word, even if it is difficult.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Oh, what blessing to be near You And to listen to Your voice; Let me ever love and hear You, Let Your Word be now my choice! Many hardened sinners, Lord, Flee in terror at Your Word; But to all who feel sin’s burden You give words of peace and pardon. (LSB 589:2)

Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

January 8, 2026

Today's Reading: Catechism - Table of Duties: To Everyone

Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 2:1-3:11; Romans 1:18-32

“The commandments...are summed up in this one rule: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Romans 13:9)

I urge…that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. (1 Timothy 2:1)” (Small Catechism, Table of Duties, To Everyone)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Do you want to fulfill God’s Law perfectly? It isn’t difficult. Jesus said to one of the Pharisees who questioned him about the Law that loving God with every fiber of your being and loving your neighbor as yourself is how you keep God’s Law. Easy-peasy, right? Just love God and your neighbors perfectly, and you have it all sorted out!

Except it isn’t that easy, is it? St. Paul tells Timothy that we should pray for everyone. Since all of Holy Scripture applies to all of us, those prayers for everyone are part of loving God perfectly, because He has given us those neighbors for whom we should pray. Even the neighbors we don’t necessarily like or even want to pray for. Oops.

No matter how much you try, you will never be able to be perfect or keep God’s Law perfectly; it is impossible because of sin. You just can’t do it. But that doesn’t mean you give up on it, either. For the command has been given to us to love and pray for our neighbors, regardless of our ability (or even desire!) to do it properly.

And that is actually the comforting part of these commands of God. Even though He knows you can’t do it perfectly, He still gives you the opportunity. Just like learning a new skill or a new sport, God sends His Holy Spirit to teach, guide, and coach you in the way you should go. He puts all kinds of neighbors in your life so that you can learn how to love them and how to care for them with your words, actions, prayers, and more.

He has recreated you in your Baptism as His own child. He continues to speak to you and teach you through His Word and your pastor’s sermons and Bible classes. He forgives you in confession and Absolution. And he forgives, sustains, and strengthens you in the Lord’s Supper, too.

All of these things He does for you, even though you so often fail spectacularly at keeping His Commandments and loving your neighbors. So take heart and go boldly out into this world and love your neighbors as best you can, pray for them, and give thanks for their presence in your life, knowing that when you do fail, the Blood of Christ covers even those sins.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Called by worship to Your service, Forth in Your dear name we go, To the child, the youth the aged, Love in living deeds to show; Hope and health, goodwill and comfort, Counsel aid, and peace we give, That Your servants, Lord, in freedom May Your mercy know and live. (LSB 848:4)

Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

January 7, 2026

Today's Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 1:1-14, 22-28; Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Romans 1:1-17

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and Church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it? Then answer: ‘I do, by the grace of God.’” This is the most difficult question of all to ask (and even answer!) in the Rite of Confirmation. I have known pastors in years gone by who left it out of the rite because it was so uncomfortable, and also because “This is America, persecution will never happen here!”

It may well be that wide-scale suffering of Christians will never happen here. Then again, Satan is a wily foe, and you never know what he has planned next. But look at what St. Peter urges of the Christian: “Do not be surprised” when it comes. After all, your Lord Christ was the Son of God in the flesh, the Savior, and look how he was treated by those who opposed Him. Rejected, scorned, despised, and that was even before the Romans got hold of Him!

What makes you think that you should be spared the same fate as the One who lived your life and died your death? That’s why St. Peter says you should not be surprised. This sinful world hates the truth, and as one of the baptized, you are also of the truth, so you should expect some pushback from sin, death, and the Devil.

But don’t miss the last sentence, because it isn’t all bad news. Rejoice that the world treats you so, because their derision towards you is a sign that you are Christ’s. And if you are Christ’s, He has promised to come again in glory for you on the Last Day to gather you with all the faithful into the New Creation and the wedding feast of the Lamb that has no end. So, don’t despair when the world treats you poorly. Know that your eternity is secure in Jesus. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, grant courage that Your children may confess Your saving name in the face of any opposition from a world hostile to the Gospel. Help them to remember Your faithful people who sacrificed much and even faced death rather than dishonor You when called upon to deny the faith. By Your Spirit, strengthen them to be faithful and to confess You boldly, knowing that You will confess Your own before the Father in heaven, with whom You and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for Persecuted Christians)

Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

January 6, 2026

Today's Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 66:1-20; Luke 3:21-38

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Strange men visiting from a foreign country, stately men bowing down to a toddler, and very odd gifts being given—the Feast of Epiphany can certainly seem a bit weird, can’t it? Observed only thirteen days after Christmas, it may seem a bit of an odd celebration, with this focus on foreign visitors and the aftermath.

But isn’t this the whole point of the Son of God becoming Man? To come in the flesh for the salvation of the world? To temporarily veil the Glory of God in Jesus so that He may fulfill all of God’s Law for us?

That’s what the gifts from the foreign visitors mean, too. They point to Jesus’s work for us and for our salvation. Gold, a gift fitting for a king, the one who rules in power and might from His throne. But this one isn’t only a king. He also serves as priest (and ultimately the perfect sacrifice), so it is also proper that he be given frankincense, the aroma of which reminds people of the rising of their prayers to God’s throne, and the smoke reminding them that God receives their sacrifice. And don’t forget the myrrh. This is the most difficult one, for it is the spice and balm of death, used to obscure the smell of decay. Already as a child, Jesus is reminded of what is to come: his suffering and death for all.

In all of this, Jesus is revealed to the world as the one sent from God to be the Savior of mankind. The Wise Men certainly didn’t make this kind of journey for every royal child born; there is something exceptional here. Just as creation would later mark Jesus’ death with darkness and an earthquake, his birth was also marked and noted by creation; a star that blossomed in the sky and led them to seek out the child on a journey that lasted for many months and crossed entire empires.

All of this is done to reveal the light that no darkness can overcome. The brilliance of Christ's purifying light shines in our dark world to draw all to his saving Word and work. Christ has been revealed to the nations and to you so that you may trust that this One is your Savior and Lord.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Once far off but now invited, We approach Your sacred throne, In Your covenant united, Reconciled, redeemed, made one. Now revealed to eastern sages, See the Star of Mercy shine, Myst’ry hid in former ages, Myst’ry great of love divine. (LSB 409:2)

Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

January 5, 2026

Today's Reading: Genesis 46:1-7

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 65:8-25; Luke 3:1-20

“I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” (Genesis 46:3-4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Several years ago, I received a Divine Call away from my home state. It was an existential crisis for me to move away, even though I knew it was at the Lord’s direction and that He would guide me along the way. Now, I’ve returned “home” from that “exile” and everything is perfect, right? Of course not!

Jacob also doesn’t want to leave the Promised Land he had been given by God, even though it was God’s plan for him to do so. He wants to stay where he is because that was how he understood God’s promise to Abraham, his grandfather. But the Lord’s plans for us often follow unexpected detours.

Like Jacob, we want to bypass struggle and get straight to glory. We are sure we know better than God how our lives should play out, so we doubt God’s plans and direction. Except our all-powerful God isn’t tied to one place. Sure, Canaan is the land He promised to Jacob, but this time in Egypt is only one small step on the road of God’s people being established for eternity.

God told Abraham this would happen (in Genesis 15); it was the plan all along for Jacob’s family to live in Egypt for generations and to grow there into the nation that Moses and Joshua would lead back “home.” The Lord God did not desert His people, even when it seemed so. He had a future planned for them from the start, and He guided them to it.

In a similar way, the years away from family for me were difficult. Even so, the Lord’s work was being done; His great nation was being made in His way and on His schedule. Even now, I’m not really “home.” I won’t be until the Last Day when the true Promised Land is revealed in the New Creation.

That’s the underlying truth of Jacob’s move, and of your life. No matter how this world may change for Christians, God’s mercy remains unchanged. His guiding hand will lead you home to the inexplicable glory of His presence that you see veiled now in preached Word and Sacramental Gifts, but then face to face.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Collect for Steadfast Faith)

Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.