January 7, 2026

Today's Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 1:1-14, 22-28; Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Romans 1:1-17

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and Church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it? Then answer: ‘I do, by the grace of God.’” This is the most difficult question of all to ask (and even answer!) in the Rite of Confirmation. I have known pastors in years gone by who left it out of the rite because it was so uncomfortable, and also because “This is America, persecution will never happen here!”

It may well be that wide-scale suffering of Christians will never happen here. Then again, Satan is a wily foe, and you never know what he has planned next. But look at what St. Peter urges of the Christian: “Do not be surprised” when it comes. After all, your Lord Christ was the Son of God in the flesh, the Savior, and look how he was treated by those who opposed Him. Rejected, scorned, despised, and that was even before the Romans got hold of Him!

What makes you think that you should be spared the same fate as the One who lived your life and died your death? That’s why St. Peter says you should not be surprised. This sinful world hates the truth, and as one of the baptized, you are also of the truth, so you should expect some pushback from sin, death, and the Devil.

But don’t miss the last sentence, because it isn’t all bad news. Rejoice that the world treats you so, because their derision towards you is a sign that you are Christ’s. And if you are Christ’s, He has promised to come again in glory for you on the Last Day to gather you with all the faithful into the New Creation and the wedding feast of the Lamb that has no end. So, don’t despair when the world treats you poorly. Know that your eternity is secure in Jesus. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, before whom all in heaven and earth shall bow, grant courage that Your children may confess Your saving name in the face of any opposition from a world hostile to the Gospel. Help them to remember Your faithful people who sacrificed much and even faced death rather than dishonor You when called upon to deny the faith. By Your Spirit, strengthen them to be faithful and to confess You boldly, knowing that You will confess Your own before the Father in heaven, with whom You and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for Persecuted Christians)

Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.