May 18, 2026

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 36:22-28

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 14:26-45; Numbers 15:1-41; Luke 18:35-19:10

"O Lord, command what you will and grant what you command." (Confessions, St. Augustine of Hippo)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

People often put their names on valuable belongings, even items they treasure solely for sentimental reasons that are unfathomable to others. One’s name is tantamount to possession and value. God’s name upon His people, Israel, equals His possession of them as well as their value to Him. Beginning with Abraham, God did not choose His people based on their goodness, morality, or value. When God first called Abraham (originally Abram), he was a pagan who worshipped the pagan gods of his Chaldean family. Even as Abram/Abraham responded to the Lord’s promise to him and His offspring, he still violated that trust in numerous ways, just as would Isaac, Jacob/Israel, and his sons. From there, it gets no better. From then through the time of the Judges, then the Kings and Prophets, God’s people continued to stray from His will. Time and time again, there was grumbling against God, tempting God, fornication, and murder, and all of this emanating from their constant propensity for idolatry.

How could God place His holy name upon such a wretched people as these? How could He call them His people, His treasured possession (Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 7:6), even, “the apple of His eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10)? The answer is found in God’s own declaration concerning Himself first in Exodus 34:6, and repeated not less than five times in Numbers, in Nehemiah, in the Psalms, and in the Prophets Joel and Jonah: “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” In merciful and gracious steadfast love, God placed His name upon Israel. God’s name is His reputation, and His reputation is mercy. Through Ezekiel, God reminded Israel that they had done nothing to earn His favor. "It is not for your sake … that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name." (Ezekiel 36:22)

This is the very reason that you can trust your Baptism! When God sprinkled clean water on you, making you clean (Ezekiel 36:25), it came with His name placed upon you, the mark of Christ’s cross placed upon your brow and heart. How is it that God would or could save you, a poor, miserable sinner? God’s name is His reputation, and His reputation is mercy. He saves you not for your sake, but for the sake of His holy name, which you bear. “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Christian, firmly hold this gift And give God thanks forever! It gives the power to uplift In all that you endeavor. When nothing else revives your soul, Your Baptism stands and makes you whole And then in death completes you. (LSB 596:5)

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

May 17, 2026

Today's Reading: John 15:26-16:4

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 14:1-25; Luke 18:18-34

“…now we cultivate the fear of God, justice, kindness, faith, and the expectation of the future given us through the Crucified One… The more we are persecuted and martyred, the more do others in ever increasing numbers become believers.” ~Justin the Martyr (100AD – 165AD)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Most of Jesus’ words to His disciples are intended to prepare them for His departure via the cross, where He would pay the cost of their salvation. In our text, Jesus’ words prepare His Apostles for their eventual crosses – the hour which is coming when, “whoever kills you will think he is offering a service to God.” (Jn 16:2) A significant portion of Jesus’ words to His disciples in all the Gospels are about the cost of being His disciple. (Matthew 10:38, 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23, 14:25-33).

As His disciple, where is your cross? You needn’t go looking for it. You bear it marked upon your forehead and over your heart as given in the rite of Holy Baptism. When you were made God’s own child in that water and Word, you were made an enemy of Satan, and thus an enemy of this fallen world over which he rules (John 12:31). No one baptized, who stands upon the rock of Christ’s truth, is immune from the scorn of Satan or this world. That is the cross borne by you and all of God’s saints.

Dying to yourself and to this world doesn’t have to mean martyrdom. Still, you face a world where Scriptural truth is despised, God’s created order is denied, and the truth of a merciful God is rejected. The cost could include the loss of friendships, family ties, the respect of your peers, and worldly success. So it is that, in our text, Jesus’ admonition likewise includes the promise that the Holy Spirit will be the immutable source of your Christian life and witness.

“I have said all these things to keep you from falling away.” (John 16:1) Jesus’ admonition is a gift. When the world rages against you, you are not left alone. The Holy Spirit keeps your eyes fixed upon Jesus, who authored and perfected your faith, enduring the cross for the joy set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2) The Spirit continues to call you by the Gospel, enlighten you with His gifts, keeping you in the true faith, daily and richly forgiving your sins. The cost you pay of dying to this world is a pittance compared to the cost of Christ’s own blood, which has bought you and made you an heir with Him to eternity.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for Exaudi – The Seventh Sunday of Easter)

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

May 16, 2026

Today's Reading: Introit for Easter 7 - Psalm 27:1, 11a, 12; antiphon: Psalm 27:7a, 8b, 9a

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 13:1-3, 17-33; Luke 18:1-17

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Some of our favorite stories are filled with majestic, mighty, and magnificent castles. Think of Hogwarts Castle in Harry Potter. Cair Paravel in The Chronicles of Narnia. Minas Tirith or Helm’s Deep in The Lord of the Rings. Camelot in the tales of King Arthur. And the list could go on.

The true story of the Scripture features a majestic, mighty, magnificent castle as well. Only it’s not found in the palaces of Persia. Not atop the bulwarks of Babylon or standing watch in the strong towers of Tyre and Sidon. You won’t find it guarding Galilee or even within the gates of Jerusalem. In fact, it’s not even a building at all, but a body born of the Virgin Mary.

Yes, Holy Scripture has a castle. And that castle is Christ. When you sing, read, or pray Psalm 27, you are confessing what the Scriptures declare time and time again. Christ is our temple. Our dwelling place. Our shelter from the storm. Our safe haven. Our rock and refuge. Our strong house upon the rock. Jesus is your stronghold of salvation.

When John sees the holy city, Jerusalem above, in Revelation, there is no temple there, for the Lamb is the temple and light and life. And the Lamb of God is also Christ our Castle. And this is no fairytale kind of Castle or King. Christ, our King and Castle, spreads his Kingdom all over the kingdoms of this world, wherever his saints gather to hear and receive his Gifts in word, water, Body and Blood.

Jesus is the stronghold of your life and of his church. You’re built upon and rest in the solid rock of Christ who rested on the wood of the cross and rolled the stone away for you. The pillars and timbers and arches of his church are sealed and secure by his Body and Blood.

So, when you enter the gates of the Lord’s house tomorrow, dine at his table, and feast as a welcomed guest, you will sing, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?” This psalm, like all the psalms ultimately, is about Jesus. Your church is his castle where he rules and reigns in grace and mercy for you.

There, Jesus is your King of kings and Castle of castles. He is our mighty fortress. A bulwark never failing. Jesus is the stronghold of your life, now and forever.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Thee will I love, my strength, my tower; Thee will I love, my hope, my joy. Thee will I love with all my power, With ardor time shall ne’r destroy. Thee will I love, O Light divine, So long as life is mine. (LSB 694:1)

Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

May 15, 2026

Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - Introduction

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 11:24-29; 12:1-16; Luke 17:20-37

Our Father who art in heaven. What does this mean? With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father. (Lord’s Prayer - Introduction and Explanation)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

There are certain words that, by definition, tell you something about someone's relationship with others around them. Teachers need students, and students need teachers. The coach needs players, and players need a coach. The naval captain needs a crew, and the crew needs a captain. The pastor needs people, and God’s people need a pastor. You get the idea.

Something similar is happening when we pray the Lord’s Prayer.

One of the blessings Jesus gives us at the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer is these words, “Our Father.” These are foundational, relationship-defining words and promises. “Our Father.” Just two words into the prayer, not even finished with the introduction, and God has already told us something important. “I am your Father. You are my children. I am the giver of all good things. You are the receiver of my grace and goodness. I, and I alone, define who you are. You belong to me. Your sins are paid for by the blood of my Son. You are saved by his cross. You are called, gathered, and enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Your faith and life are in my good and gracious hands.”

And this is good news, because the sad reality is that sometimes earthly fathers fail miserably. Tragically, there are earthly fathers who abandon, abuse, or afflict their children. And the truth is, that all fathers, even the best ones, are still sinners in need of a perfect, loving, gracious heavenly father. And they’re not alone in that. We all are.

This is one of the reasons Jesus starts the prayer this way: “Our Father.” God the Father’s love will not fail you. His grace towards you will never end. He won't walk out on you, hurt, or harm you. He promises never to leave you nor forsake you. His love and mercy and grace towards you are as he is, eternal, without end, wider than the widest ocean, and taller than the highest mountain. And should you ever doubt or despair of your Heavenly Father’s love for you, you need look no further than the cross, where he sent His Son, His only Son, to die for you. And, that same Son, Jesus, gives you the joy and privilege of praying alongside him those words of promise, peace, and presence. Our Father.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Our Father who from heav’n above Bids all of us to live in love As members of one family And pray to You in unity, Teach us no thoughtless words to say But from our inmost hearts to pray. (LSB 766:1)

Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

May 14, 2026

Today's Reading: Mark 16:14-20 or Luke 24:44-53

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 11:1-23, 31-35; Luke 17:1-19

“And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.” (Luke 24:50-51)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

If your hands could talk, what story would they tell? They might tell a story of aching, cramping pain after taking a long test. Perhaps they would tell a story filled with warmth and joy around a campfire with family or friends. Or maybe they tell a love story as husband and wife walk hand in hand.

But what about Jesus? If his hands could talk, what story would they tell? Thankfully, we don’t have to wonder. Jesus’ holy, precious palms tell the story of his promises made and kept for you. The story of your salvation is written by and in the holy hands of Jesus.

After all, he who fashioned and formed Adam out of the dust of the earth also was incarnate of the Virgin Mary. He is flesh of our flesh. Bone of our bone. Hand of our hand, yet without the blackspot of sin-stained hands.

He who fearfully and wonderfully formed you in your mother’s womb - hands and all - also wriggled and wiggled his infant hands as Mary wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.

He who painted the starry skies above and made the earth his canvas also reached out his hands to cleanse, heal, and raise from the dead.

He who spread out his hands in the wilderness and rained down manna and quail from heaven also broke bread on the hillside and in the Upper Room.

He who inhabits the heavenly and holy temple built without hands, also inhabits and takes on human flesh, hands and all. Jesus’ hands reached out in blessing. Jesus’ hands took bread and broke it, and gave it, saying, “Take, eat, this is my body.” Jesus’ hands lifted a cup and said, “Take, drink; this is my blood.” Jesus’ hands prayed in Gethsemane. Shook at the violence of Good Friday. Were driven through by nails. Blood poured from his hands. Life left his hands. The darkness of the tomb covered his hands. And then, his hands had more to say. A good and gracious story to tell: Peace be with you. Crucified hands for you. Scarred hands for you. Risen and glorified hands for you. And now at his ascension, Jesus raises his hands once again in blessing. For his disciples. For you.

When it comes to Jesus' hands, he has a gracious grip on you. A holy hold on your life. Indeed, he’s got the whole world - including you - in his pierced hands.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Be now our joy on earth, O Lord, And be our future great reward. Alleluia, alleluia! Then, throned with You forever, we Shall praise Your name eternally. Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (LSB 493:5)

Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

May 13, 2026

Today's Reading: Numbers 10:11-36

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 10:11-36; Luke 16:19-31

“And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, ‘Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.’ And when it rested, he said, ‘Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.’” (Numbers 10:35-36)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

In the Scriptures, God is locatable. Not the way you type a location into Google Maps. And it’s not like you can slap an Apple AirTag on him or open the “find my phone” app to see where he’s roaming. Nevertheless, in the Scriptures, God is findable. God locates himself. God dwells with his people. In the pillar of fire and smoke. In the tabernacle. Upon the ark. There, he’s enthroned between the cherubim. There he’s present with and for his people.

In the Old Testament, the people of Israel spent a lot of time searching for God’s presence and peace in all the wrong places—back in Egypt in slavery, in the golden calf in the wilderness, in the idols of Baal and the Asherah, or any other number of pseudo, self-made deities they foolishly put their trust in. The truth is, God is not hard to find. All you have to do is look where he promises to be, and where he promises to dwell, and where he declares that he is present with and for his people. In the Old Testament, God wasn’t hard to find. He was in his house, the tabernacle, and later the temple. He was in his word and promise. He was in the sacrifices and the blood and the smoke and the fire for his people.

In the New Testament, once again, God is locatable. He is born of the Virgin Mary. He is findable for he took on human flesh. God dwells with his people as one of his people, first in Mary’s womb, then on the cross and in the tomb, and out alive again three days later.

Sadly, like Israel, we spend a lot of time searching for God’s presence and peace in all the wrong places: our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Our selfish loves, lusts, and longings for peace and joy apart from Christ. But thankfully, God is still locatable. Findable. He dwells with you and for you. No longer on the ark or in the pillar of smoke and fire. But on the altar. Enthroned between the flaming candles, seated in the bread and wine for you. Jesus dwells with you and for you, setting up a watery tabernacle of his own where he sends the Holy Spirit to dwell with you. Jesus is present with all of his promises for you in holy words, holy Baptism, and holy Communion.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Sing praise to the God of Israel! Sing praise for His visitation! Redeeming his people from their sin, Accomplishing their salvation, Upraising a mighty horn within The house of his servant David. (LSB 936:1)

Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

May 12, 2026

Today's Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-6 or James 1:22-27

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 9:1-23; Luke 16:1-18

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

In Genesis 18, Abraham made intercession to Yahweh. He petitioned God for the sake of the righteous (that is, believing in Yahweh’s promises) people in Sodom. Abraham pleaded God down from fifty to ten. Only Abraham and his family, Lot and his family (well, minus his salty-pillared wife) made it out of Sodom before its destruction. Another mediator was needed.

In Exodus and Leviticus, Yahweh instructed Moses and Aaron to consecrate a priesthood and construct the tabernacle. The priests and the place they served in were to be a place of intercession, redemption, atonement, and mediation. Sins were confessed. Sacrifices were slain. Blood was poured out. Day after day. Holy feast after holy feast. Year after year. These servants and the sacrifices were good. They did what God gave them to do. But the priests were far from perfect. And the sacrificial system was one of wash, rinse, and repeat. Another mediator was needed.

In Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, Moses pleaded and interceded on behalf of Israel numerous times when they failed, faltered, and were faithless in the wilderness. But so did Moses. He failed, faltered, and was faithless, too. He fell into the same infidelities of faith that Israel did. Moses, like so many of his generation, died in the wilderness before crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land. Once again, another mediator was needed.

So, in the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son. Jesus is the One Mediator who redeems them all. Abraham, Aaron, and Moses were all small “m” mediators, each pointing the way to and paving the way for the capital “M” Mediator, Jesus. God’s final mediator is God himself. Jesus is the best of both worlds. True God. True Man. Bearing Adam’s humanity, yet without Adam’s sin. Jesus is the go-between, reconciling us to God the Father. Jesus is our mediator bearing mercy and steadfast love. Jesus is our redeemer who pays our ransom with his holy, precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. And Jesus did this for Abraham, Aaron, Moses, and for you.

In Jesus, you have the One Mediator who is perfect, eternal, everlasting, never-ending, always present, ever-gracious, and abounding in steadfast love for you.

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Since Christ has full atonement made And brought to us salvation, Each Christian therefore may be glad And build on this foundation. Your grace alone, dear Lord, I plead, Your death is now my life indeed, for You have paid my ransom. (LSB 555:6)

Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

May 11, 2026

Today's Reading: Numbers 21:4-9

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 8:5-26; Luke 15:11-32

“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.’ So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.” (Numbers 21:8-9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Snakes usually have a bad reputation. And for good reason. The Slytherin house in Harry Potter is famous for dark wizards. Medusa, with her serpentine hairstyle and stone-cold stare, isn’t exactly the woman that little girls long to be when they grow up.

It’s no different in the true story of the Scriptures. There’s the serpent, the ancient dragon, Satan, back in Genesis, who tempted Adam and Eve with his craftiness, cunning, and calumny. The Lord tells Jeremiah to preach to Israel, but warns that he’s sending him among serpents that cannot be tamed. Jesus admonishes the Pharisees that in their hissing fits of self-righteousness, they’re a brood of vipers.

And just like it did with our first parents, Adam and Eve, Satan’s lies, along with sin’s poison, came creeping and crawling, slithering and sliding, into the hearts and out of the mouths of Israel in the wilderness. “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.”

So what did God do? Tell them to pound sand right back into slavery? No. He did what he does throughout Scripture. He brought punishment, yes, but also promise. Warning, but also a way of rescue. Judgment, but also a sign of justification. Those fiery serpents were instruments of God’s work of repentance and restoration.

And then, the Lord took the serpent, a sign of temptation, evil, sin, and death, and turned it into a sign of salvation, goodness, righteousness, and life. Moses made a bronze serpent. Set it on a pole for all to see. And anyone who looked at it lived.

This isn’t the last time God takes a sign of sin, suffering, and death and turns it into a sign of salvation, reconciliation, and life. Only this time, it wasn’t in the wilderness, but on a hilltop outside Jerusalem. And it wasn’t a pole, but a wooden cross. And it wasn’t a bronze serpent, but the Lord himself in the flesh. Jesus died for you. Defeated the Serpent at his own game. For just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Your cross I place before me; It’s saving power restore me, Sustain me in the test. It will, when life is ending, Be guiding and attending My way to Your eternal rest. (LSB 453:7)

Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.