Monday of the Thirteenth Week After Trinity

August 31, 2026Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 28:8-15Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 16:29-17:24; 2 Corinthians 10:1-13:14; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15“You shall not bring the captives in here, for you propose to bring upon us guilt against the Lord in addition to our present sins and guilt. For our guilt is already great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel.” (2 Chronicles 28:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.After King Solomon, the Israelites split into two separate kingdoms in a civil war. For centuries, two nations existed among God’s chosen people. Israel in the north was often idolatrous and sinful. Judah in the south began in the faith and ended up idolatrous. Because there were two nations and the Word and teaching of God were not central all the time, sadly, the people of God fought against each other.Christians should see this time in Israel’s history as a warning. Throughout the New Testament, we also hear God’s Word teaching us to be long-suffering and patient with our brothers. We are taught not to let the sun go down on our anger. Indeed, we must also be careful to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.It is sometimes hard, though. Like Judah in the Old Testament, sometimes we make a great effort at the beginning, but do not follow through. We hold onto anger unjustly and are happy to see our enemies fall. We are impatient, demanding, and will suffer little if we can help it. As for the unity of the Spirit, sadly, this is sometimes the least of our concerns.Our Lord warns us against continuing in self-centered behavior. Let us not add sins to sin, or guilt upon existing guilt. Rather, as our Lord Jesus calls us to repent and believe in the Gospel, let us do so. If some bitterness is lodged in your heart now, let it go. Call on God to take it away. Trust in the Lord of life who does not call you to outrage, but to faith in Him and reflecting His peace among others. Lean on Him alone who loved you and gave Himself for you. And then, with the same compassion Jesus has shown you, show that to your neighbors. And especially those of the same household of the faith. Offer to rake the leaves of homebound members of your congregation. Volunteer to babysit your pastor’s kids. Be willing to sing in your church’s small choir. In such ways, you show that you are the Lord’s, and His love shows through you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hope of the world, who by Thy cross didst save us From death and dark despair, from sin and guilt, We render back the love Thy mercy gave us; Take Thou our lives and use them as Thou wilt. (LSB 690:4)Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.