Today's Reading: Isaiah 55:1-9
Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 28:1-22; Matthew 18:1-20
Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. (Isaiah 55:2)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Did you ever save and save to buy something you wanted? Did you ever sit in class or at work and daydream about that new computer or new car or new set of clothes? How long did your enthusiasm last? Did the hard drive die, yet? Are you tired of putting money into that old clunker? Are your clothes out of style, already? The things we love to covet and think about and desire and spend our money on usually thrill us for awhile, but then they get old. Worn out. Boring. But, that's our sinful nature—always wanting the next thing, the latest or greatest, more and more. Things that just fade away.
Christ's gifts are not like that! Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord invites us to receive His gifts which always satisfy. Christ died on the cross to take away our sins and to conquer death. He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven so that His church might live in His holy gifts always.
Your Baptism never runs out. It never gets old. It always means that God's name is upon you. It always means your sins are forgiven and you are God's child. Absolution never gets old. It's always the same Good News that for Jesus' sake your sins are gone! The Scriptures never expire or get out of date. They always deliver Christ and His promises to your ears. The body and blood of Jesus always outlasts the latest diet craze. It always gives forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.
There is a great temptation for us to always run around seeking the things we think are really important and will satisfy us. But, they won't. In the end, they'll break down, run out, get old or just no longer be interesting. Against all that lust for the “new” the Lord sets His gifts before us to forgive our sins and give us life—a life not bound to the things that pass away, because His Word, the center and basis for all His gifts, never passes away. So off to the Divine Service! The Lord's got a feast set up there that always satisfies and never is wasted. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, You have prepared This feast for our salvation; It is Your body and Your blood, And at Your invitation As weary souls with sin oppressed, We come to You for needed rest, For comfort and for pardon. (LSB 622:1)