May 13, 2023
Today’s Reading: Psalm 119:89-93; antiphon: Psalm 119:105
Daily Lectionary:Leviticus 26:21-33, 39-44; Luke 14:1-24
“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Our brothers in the Roman church often debate whether “sola Scriptura” (the all-sufficiency of Scripture) is taught in the Bible. If you ever want a strong case for that, look to Psalm 119, especially to these verses in Lamedh. Our God not only spoke creation into existence, but He also had it written down as an ongoing, trustworthy testimony for us. How can we have life if not for His commandments, recorded and faithfully handed down to us? Plus, as New Testament Christians, we have been blessed to know that life is through God’s Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
We will pray these words tomorrow, in preparation for hearing the great promise from the incarnate Lord Himself: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments…Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” (John 14:15, 21)
If we need something more than Scripture to know God’s salvation in Christ, we’re not told what it is or where to find it. Regardless of the fact the Reformers penned the idea of “sola Scriptura,” the Lord Himself has taught us that His forever-enduring Word is all the foundation we need to know Him. By it the heavens and earth were made, and remain to this day. He desires for us to find refuge and life in His Word.
Outside of the Word of God is only uncertainty, fear, and even death. Think of what happens when God’s Word is far from people. Our darkened imaginations run wild and myths creep in. This is certainly the darkness that loomed over common people when the Bible was only in Latin. Sadly, it still happens today in churches that minimize the Word of God itself, and overshadow it with doing “Christian things” like missionary work, social ministries, and hoping America will return to its supposed Christian roots.
But in the Word, there is certainty, perfect love, and life. Christ sends us the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to be with us forever, there is life and salvation—“By Your precepts you have given me life. I am yours; save me.” This is why we hold so joyfully to “sola Scriptura.” In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, giver and perfecter of our faith, we thank and praise You for continuing among us the preaching of Your Gospel for our instruction and edification. Send Your blessing upon the Word, which will be spoken to us, and by Your Holy Spirit increase our saving knowledge of You, that day by day we may be strengthened in the divine truth and remain steadfast in Your grace; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
– Pastor Michael A. Miller is Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lebanon, OR.
Audio Reflections Speaker: Jonathan Lackey is an LCMS seminarian.
Study Christ’s words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.
