September 29, 2026

Today's Reading: Matthew 18:1-11 or Luke 10:17-20

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 1:19-36; Matthew 5:21-48

“Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

As we are going through God’s Word this week, we have been focusing on humility. Today, as the church celebrates the festival of St. Michael and All Angels, we look towards the spiritual war our Lord has won.

Throughout the Gospels, we see multiple times where demons harass and harm humans. Humans can’t resist these demons who harm, kill, and destroy. Can you imagine the power the disciples must have felt? Having been sent out as servants of Christ, the seventy-two come back to the Lord and proclaim awe and amazement. Even the demons were subject to them in the name of Jesus! Demons that oppress and distress humanity can leave us mere mortals in terror. Now, the disciples are filled with joy, having been given authority over the demons. They have the tools to fight the demons and devils of this world!

Except that’s not what Jesus wants them to rejoice in. Yes, Jesus has given them great authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, without the threat of harm. However amazing this power might be here in the world, the only victory that matters belongs to Jesus Christ. His victory places Christians in heaven for all eternity. Only by the Savior’s power can mankind have any authority over the demons. As powerful as St. Michael and all the angels may seem, they are properly ordered as humble servants of God. After all, we pray, “Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me,” in Luther’s Evening prayer. Humility clings to Christ, who has victory over sin, death, and the power of the devil. Humble prayer calls on God to send His servants to protect us. It isn’t about our power, but what Christ has done for us to overcome the Evil One. St. Michael and all the angels watch over and protect the people of God by order of Christ. It’s amazing how God cares for us! Humbly, we continue to pray for the angels of God to watch over us as we live in this world, rejoicing that Christ has written our names in the Book of Life through the waters of Holy Baptism. May God send His holy angels to watch over you as we humbly wait for our returning King.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Everlasting God, You have ordained and constituted the service of angels and men in a wonderful order. Mercifully grant that, as Your holy angels always serve and worship You in heaven, so by Your appointment they may also help and defend us here on earth; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Rev. Miguel Gonzalez-Feliciano, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Klinger and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Readlyn, IA.

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