Higher Things Daily Reflections

February 4, 2012 - Saturday of the Week after the Transfiguration

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Daily Lectionary: Job 1:1-22; John 1:1-18

I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. (Psalm 18:1-2a from the Introit for Septuagesima)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. A good, sturdy snow fort is a necessity in a neighborhood snowball fight. As long as you have a place to retreat to for protection, you are safe. The problem is that it's awfully hard to make a good, sturdy snow fort. Big brothers and big sisters can find weaknesses and expose them, and soon, your fort is demolished and you are running for real cover. Where do you run? You run to a fortress; you run to your house. You are only safe once you are inside under the protection of mom and dad.

Our problem is that we often think we can build our own fortresses for protection. We trust in our own wisdom. St. Paul writes in Ephesians that we are constantly under attack — not from big brothers with snowballs, but from the devil and his "flaming darts." He writes: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).

Satan is smart — not in a wisdom of God sort of way, but in a way that he knows where to attack you. He's worse than the big sister that knows the weakness in your fort. He knows the weakness of your flesh and the weakness of the world. St. Peter tells us that Satan prowls around like a lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). So, what can you do? You can take refuge in God. He is your fortress. He covers you in the whole armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6).

Left by yourself, you are an easy target. In Christ, your fortress, you are not. In Christ, your sins are paid for. The blood of Christ covers you. We pray with the psalmist, "I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer." In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon; He helps us free from every need That hath us now o'ertaken. The old evil foe Now means deadly woe; Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight; On earth is not his equal. (LSB 656:1)

February 3, 2012 - Friday of the Week after the Transfiguration

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Today's Reading: Exodus 34:29-35

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 14:1-21; Titus 2:7 - 3:15

And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. (Exodus 34:33)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever had something stuck in your teeth and you didn't know it? Or a pen mark on your face, but didn't realize it? It can be embarrassing. Not for you, but for those who notice it. If it weren't, they wouldn't be shy about telling you that you had something in your teeth or on your face, right? Hopefully, someone cares about you enough to let you know.

Moses didn't know that the skin of his face was shining. He had been up on Mt. Sinai, speaking with God. When he came back down to talk to the people, his face was shining. But he couldn't wash it off. His face was shining because he was in the presence of God. The people couldn't take it. They did not want to look Moses in the face. Why? Because it was embarrassing. Not for Moses, but for them. They knew of their sinfulness, and even just the residual effect of speaking with God was too much for them. When Moses was done speaking, he put a veil over his face so that they would not have to look at it. Moses would only remove it when he went in to speak to God, and when he would then tell the people what God had said. Otherwise, he stayed veiled.

If Moses, who just simply spoke with God had the consequence of a shining face, what do you think Jesus looked like when He was born? You would think that His face and body must have been glowing continually. That would make sense. But that's not what happened. At the Mount of Transfiguration, His face shone. But only then. Why? Because like Moses, Jesus put on a veil. Unlike Moses, it wasn't a veil of cloth. It was our flesh. Jesus humbled himself. St. Paul writes in Philippians: "Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Why did Jesus veil Himself in our flesh? So that He could go to the cross and die in your place, paying for your sinful flesh. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Remember, Lord of life and grace, How once, to save our fallen race, You put our human vesture on And came to us as Mary's son. Alleluia! (LSB 403:3)

February 2, 2012 - The Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Today's Reading: Luke 2:22-40

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 12:1 - 13:9; Titus 1:1 - 2:6

"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation..." (Luke 2:29-30)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Somehow, Simeon was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. That's what Luke tells us. He was righteous and devout, and was waiting for the "consolation of Israel." He was waiting for the Messiah to come and redeem His people.

It must have been amazing to be Simeon when Jesus was brought into the temple by Mary and Joseph. There, the one for whom he had been waiting for so long, was now in the temple. Simeon picked him up in his arms and sang a beautiful hymn that you probably know. It's called the Nunc Dimittis: "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel."

Simeon knew that he could now die in peace. He could leave the world because the promise had come. Simeon saw his salvation when he looked at the baby Jesus and held him in his own arms. It's hard to imagine what it must have felt like to hold on to and carry Jesus, the Word made flesh.

It is easy to be jealous of Simeon. But we shouldn't be. We get to do something far greater than what Simeon was able to do when he held Jesus in his arms that day. Jesus gives Himself to you. How? He gives you His Body and Blood, which were given and shed for you for the forgiveness of your sins. That's more than just holding baby Jesus in your arms.

There is a reason that we sing the song of Simeon after we receive the Lord's Supper. We sing it because not only have we seen our salvation, we have also touched and tasted it. Having received that Body and Blood, you can depart in peace, from the service as well as even from the world. The forgiveness of Jesus Christ is yours. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

King of kings yet born of Mary, As of old on earth He stood, Lord of lords in human vesture, In the body and the blood, He will give to all the faithful His own self for heav'nly food. (LSB 621:2)

February 1, 2012 - Wednesday of the Week after the Transfiguration

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 11:4-17; 2 Timothy 4:1-18

What does such baptizing with water indicate? It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. (The Small Catechism, Baptism Part 4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. You can take absolute joy in your baptism. Why? Because it's Jesus' gift to you. It's not your work. It's not a symbol of your faith. It's not something that you did. It is something that is done for you. It's Jesus for you.

Take joy in that. Many Christians do not believe that baptism is a gift, which is sad. They think it is something that they did to show how much they love God. Worse than that, some think that it's only a symbol of their love for God; for them it's just like wearing a cross around their neck. Sure, that cross is a reminder, and it's not wrong to wear one. But there is no promises attached to it.

When you were baptized it was not just a symbol or a sign of something. When you were baptized, something actually happened. What happened? This is what St. Paul writes, "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." When you were baptized, you were buried with Christ. Your sins were buried in the waters of baptism. You now are united with Christ. You are planted with Him in the waters of baptism. You stand as a new man.

In baptism you put on Jesus Christ. You are clothed with His Righteousness. His life, His death, and His resurrection are yours.

Yes, in this life you still struggle with your sinful flesh. That's why Luther tells you that every day you need to be reminded of the promise of your baptism, and what that means. Take joy in your baptism. In your baptism, you have died with Christ, and you also have the promise that you are raised with Him. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

I bind this day to me forever, By pow'r of faith, Christ's incarnation, His Baptism in the Jordan River, His cross of death for my salvation, His bursting from the spiced tomb, His riding up the heavn'ly way, His coming at the day of doom, I bind unto myself today. (LSB 604:2)

January 31, 2012 - Tuesday of the Week of the Transfiguration

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Today's Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-21

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 10:1 - 11:3; 2 Timothy 3:1-17

And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (2 Peter 1:19)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. This past Sunday we celebrated the Transfiguration of our Lord. Jesus was up on a mountain with Peter, James, and John. There on the mountain, Jesus was transfigured. His face was as bright as the sun; His clothes were white as light. Then, Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with Jesus. There is a reason that Peter didn't want to leave. Why would you? There was Jesus, with Moses and Elijah. Nothing was wrong. Why go back down the mountain and back to regular life?

Then, a bright cloud came, and a voice came from that cloud: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him." While that certainly would be terrifying (which it was for them), wouldn't you want to hear that? Wouldn't it be nice to just once have some sort of experience like that, to see Jesus, or to hear that voice from heaven? Wouldn't that be all you needed to confirm your faith and get rid of all your doubts?

Listen to St. Peter: "we were eyewitnesses of [Jesus'] majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,' we ourselves heard this very voice from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place." Peter tells you that you have something more sure than hearing a voice from heaven, or seeing Jesus in His glory. You have the prophetic word, the Word of God.

Yes, you sit in a dark place, very much the opposite of being on that mountain. But in this darkness shines the light of Christ through His Word. In this darkness you hear Jesus speak as the Bible is read in your church and home, and as you hear your pastor say, "I forgive you all of your sins." You have something more sure. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

O Word of God incarnate, O Wisdom from on high, O Truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of our dark sky: We praise You for the radiance That from the hallowed page, A lantern to our footsteps, Shines on from age to age. (LSB 532:1)

January 30, 2012 - Monday of the Week of the Transfiguration

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Today's Reading: Exodus 3:1-14

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 9:1-17; 2 Timothy 2:1-26

Then the Lord said, "I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings. (Exodus 3:7)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Moses saw a pretty amazing sight on Mount Horeb. He saw a burning bush that really wasn't burning. It wasn't being consumed and turned into ash. When Moses went to look at it, God spoke from the bush. Moses had to take off his sandals because this place was Holy Ground. Why? Because God was there.

Something more amazing than that came next. God spoke these words: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings..." God knows the sufferings of His people. God doesn't just see or observe the sufferings; God knows the sufferings, as intimately as if they were His sufferings.

Sometimes it seems like God can't possibly know our sufferings. The people of Israel probably felt that way when they were suffering in Egypt. However, God does know your sufferings. And He has come down to deliver you. That's why Jesus comes down from heaven, takes on flesh and is born of Mary. That's why Jesus comes down from the Mount of Transfiguration and goes toward the cross. He comes down to deliver you and redeem you, and He does that by truly knowing your suffering. There at the cross Jesus suffers something worse than you ever will. There He suffers the full wrath of God as He suffers the pain of hell, being forsaken by His Father. When you are suffering and going through the troubles of life, look back to the cross. See your Lord hanging in your place and knowing your suffering more intimately than even you will ever know.

Jesus still comes down for you today: into the waters of your Baptism and with His Body and Blood in His Supper. He is present with you even more than He was present with Moses in the burning bush. That is truly amazing. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

What Thou, my Lord, has suffered Was all for sinners' gain; Mine, mine was the transgression, But Thine the deadly pain. Lo, here I fall, my Savior! 'Tis I deserve Thy place; Look on me with Thy favor, And grant to me Thy grace. (LSB 450:3)

January 29, 2012 - The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Today's Reading: Matthew 17:1-9

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 8:1-23; 2 Timothy 1:1-18

And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.(Matthew 17:8)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The booming voice from heaven scared them. It would have scared you as well. Everything was fine when it was Jesus, shining like the sun, and Moses and Elijah up on the mountain with Peter, James and John. At that point, Peter wanted to stay there. Then the cloud came, and the voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."

That's when they hit the ground. They fell on their faces and were scared. Jesus came over to them, touched them, and said, "Rise, and have no fear." Those are the words they needed to hear.

They realized they were in the presence of God, and that's a scary place to be. Why? Because they were sinners. They didn't always do the very thing that God just told them to do, which was listen to Jesus. Six days before they went up the mountain, Jesus had told the disciples that He would go to Jerusalem and suffer and be killed, and on third day be raised. What was their reaction? Peter told him "no." "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you" (Matthew 16:22). Peter didn't listen to Jesus. Now He heard a voice from heaven telling him to start doing that. So, he does. Jesus reaches down and touches them and says, "Rise, and have no fear." And they lifted up their eyes and saw no one but "Jesus only." That's the best thing to see.

Without Jesus, we're all in trouble. Without Jesus, the wrath of God over our sin would be ours to bear. But with Jesus, we're in a much better place. Jesus is the beloved Son of God. We heard that back at the Baptism of Jesus as well. You? With Jesus, you are baptized into the family of God, and you stand before God with "Jesus only." You stand washed in the blood of the Lamb. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for the Transfiguration of Our Lord)

January 28, 2012 - Saturday of the Third Week after Epiphany

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 6:1 - 7:14; Romans 16:17-27

Your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. (Psalm 77:18, from the Introit for The Transfiguration of Our Lord)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When the psalmist writes about God lighting up the world and shaking the earth, he's talking about what God did back at the Red Sea. There was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night that led the people of Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness, and at the Red Sea, an amazing thing happened. The sea parted. The people of Israel walked through on dry land, with waters stacked up on each side of them. After they made it through, the waters came crashing down on the Egyptians, and the people of Israel were free. Why is the psalmist writing about that? Because this psalm is about the difficulties we face in our life. Sometimes, it can seem like God is not there and does not care. The psalmist asks, "Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?"

Do you ever feel like saying those words? When you do, do what the psalmist does next. He writes, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord...I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds." That's why he writes about the Exodus. He remembers that God was with His people then, writing "Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen."

Sometimes it can seem like God has forgotten to be gracious. That doesn't mean that God is not there. You don't have to look back to the crossing of the Red Sea either (although, you certainly can). You can look back to the cross. There at the cross, Jesus was in darkness as He suffered for your sin. There at the cross, the Father who said, "this is my beloved Son" forsakes His Son so that you will never be forsaken. You also get to look back to your baptism. You can look back to receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in the Lord's Supper. You can look back to when your pastor said, "I forgive you." God has not forgotten to be gracious, and He never will. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Lo, on those who dwelt in darkness, Dark as night and deep as death, Broke the light of Thy salvation, Breathed Thine own life-breathing breath. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to Thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end! (LSB 578:2)

January 27, 2012 - Friday of the Third Week after Epiphany

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 4:1 - 5:11; Romans 15:14-33

How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith that trusts this word of God in the water. For without God's word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit (The Small Catechism, Baptism Part 3)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. How can water do such great things? You've probably seen a baptism in your church. Does it look like something happens to the person who is baptized? If it's a baby, does the baby immediately stop crying and start singing "Jesus loves me? " No. Probably not. It really doesn't look all that special. The pastor took some water, poured it on someone's head and said some words.

How can water do such great things? That's the question the world asks. They don't see anything happen in baptism. Many people think that being baptized is just a symbol of faith, or a nice thing to do.

How can water do such great things? That's the question that the devil asks as well. Of course, he knows the answer. But the devil does not want you to know the answer. He wants you to doubt the promises of your baptism. He wants you to forget about the gifts of baptism. He wants you to think that baptism means nothing and that it's just a symbol.

Why does the devil want to deceive you and make you think these things? Because he knows what baptism actually does. He knows, as Titus writes, that God "saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:5-7). He knows that when you are baptized, Jesus claims you and unites Himself to you. He knows that it's not just water, but it's the word of God in and with the water. He knows that the Word of God does what it says. You are united to Jesus in your baptism; His life, death and resurrection are yours. The devil knows that as a baptized child of God you no longer need to listen to him. He just doesn't want you to know that. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Satan, hear this proclamation: I am baptized into Christ! Drop your ugly accusation, I am not so soon enticed. Now that to the font I've traveled, All your might has come unraveled, And, against your tyranny, God, my Lord, unites with me! (LSB 594:3)

January 26, 2012 - St. Titus

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Today's Reading: Titus 1:1-9

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 2:1 - 3:10; Romans 15:1-13

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. St. Titus was a pastor. He was a friend of St. Paul, and went with him on at least his third missionary journey. Titus was then left at Crete to be the pastor there. Paul wrote a letter to Titus, as he did to Timothy, to encourage him in his work.

Wouldn't it be great to have been a member of that congregation? Wouldn't it be great to have someone like Timothy or Titus be your pastor? Well, you do. Yes, your pastor may not be popular throughout the world, or even in our country or your state. That's fine. He might not get interviewed by talk shows, or have his own Youtube channel. That's fine. You have something better. You have a pastor who God has given to you, to do the same work that Titus did for his flock in Crete.

Paul wrote to Timothy about what a pastor should be. A pastor is God's steward, which means God uses your pastor to give you His gifts of forgiveness, especially as you hear him say, "In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all of your sins," and when Jesus uses your pastor to Baptize you and to give you His Supper.

God also uses your pastor to teach you. Your pastor holds firm to the Word of God. He instructs you in good teaching and he also tells you when something goes against God's teaching and even tells you of your own sin. Your pastor teaches you about Jesus. He gives you Jesus.

Do you want to know something else? Your pastor loves to do it. So, when you have a question about something in the Bible, go ask your pastor. When you are troubled with your sin, go find your pastor. When you just want someone to talk to about Jesus, go talk to your pastor. Think about this: O ut of all the pastors in the world, Jesus has given your pastor to you, just as he gave Titus to the people of Crete. Also, out of all the congregations in the world, Jesus has put yours under your pastor's care, just as he put the people of Crete under the care of Titus. That relationship is special, because that relationship is given by Jesus. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

All praise for faithful pastors, Who preached and taught Your Word; For Timothy and Titus, True servants of their Lord. Lord, help Your pastors nourish The souls within their care, So that Your Church may flourish And all Your blessings share. (LSB 517:11)

January 25, 2012 - The Conversion of St. Paul

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Today's Reading: Acts 9:1-22

Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 1:1-21; Romans 14:1-23

And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." (Acts 9:4-5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. There is a reason that Paul writes to Timothy "that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost" (1 Timothy 1:15). Paul was a wicked, evil, persecutor of the church. When Stephen was stoned, it was Paul who sat on the sidelines, watching those who did the wicked deed.

Paul thought what he was doing was the right thing. He was zealous — a "persecutor of the church" (Philippians 4:6). Paul was on his way to Damascus, "still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord." He was going to go into the synagogues to find anyone who spoke of Jesus as the Christ and bring them back to Jerusalem.

While Paul was on his way, a light from heaven flashed and he heard Jesus speak, "Why are you persecuting me? I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." With that, Paul's world was turned upside down. He thought he was doing what God wanted, but instead, he was persecuting people who believed in Jesus, and persecuting Jesus!

The Church is the body of Christ. So, when the Church is persecuted, it is Jesus who is being persecuted. This is why Paul says that he is the chief of sinners. He put people who were part of the Body of Christ to death. In his mind, there was no one worse.

That day changed Paul. He went to Damascus and met a man named Ananias. He heard of the forgiveness of Jesus, and he was baptized. Paul, who had been a persecutor of the Body of Christ, became a part of the Body of Christ that is persecuted. The same thing happened to you at your baptism. You, the sinner, were baptized into Christ, into His life, His death, and His resurrection. You are a member of the Body of Christ. Just as St. Paul, you stand forgiven. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Despised and scorned, they sojourned here; But now, how glorious they appear! Those martyrs stand, A priestly band, God's throne forever near. On earth they wept through bitter years; Now God has wiped away their tears, Transformed their strife To heavenly life, And freed them from their fears. They now enjoy the Sabbath rest, The heavenly banquet of the blest; The Lamb, their Lord, At festive board Himself is host and guest. (LSB 676:2)

January 24, 2012 - St. Timothy

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Today's Reading: Acts 16:1-5

Daily Lectionary: Joel 3:1-21; Romans 12:14 - 13:14

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. (Acts 16:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. St. Timothy was a close friend of St. Paul. Two of the books of the New Testament are letters that Paul wrote to Timothy, to strengthen his faith and encourage him in the work he was doing as a pastor of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can tell how much Paul loved him by the way he addresses Timothy in the letters, calling him "my true child in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2) and "my beloved child" (2 Timothy 1:2).

Paul met Timothy on his second missionary journey and he wanted Timothy to go with him on the rest of that trip. Paul taught and then entrusted Timothy with the proclaiming the gospel in Greece and Asia Minor. Paul certainly acted as a father to Timothy, but even Paul knew that he wasn't the one that had taught Timothy about Jesus. That was Timothy's mother and grandmother. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure dwells in you as well." (2 Timothy 1:5)

Timothy certainly went on to do great things for the church. God used him as a pastor to proclaim the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; to teach the Law of God that condemns us, and the Gospel that forgives. He did this, just as God uses your pastor to do the same.

On this day of the year, we give thanks to God for what He did through the work of St. Timothy. We also thank God for Timothy's mother and grandmother, who confessed their faith in their home; who taught Timothy of the forgiveness that Jesus, the Messiah, gives from His death on the cross. It's also a good day for us to thank God for our parents, both biological, like Timothy's mom, and also our parents in the faith, as St. Paul was to Timothy, and Timothy was to so many in the churches where he served.

"You are to honor and obey Your father, mother, every day, Serve them each way that comes to hand; You'll then live long in the land." Have mercy, Lord! (LSB 581:5)