Today's Reading: Ephesians 5:15-21
Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 29:1-29; Matthew 18:21-35

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever heard someone say, "Do you know what the Lord's will is for your life?" Maybe that comes up in discussions about what job to get or what classes to take or what college to attend. Should I date this person? What career do I want to shoot for? Well, what is the Lord's will in all of those things?

The Lord's will is this: that you be saved from your sins through faith in Christ Jesus, be raised from the dead and have eternal life. That's the Lord's will. He's accomplished that will for you in Jesus, who died for you and rose for you. He's brought that will to bear in your life by baptizing you and making you a part of His Church, feeding you with the Lord's Supper and putting His Word into your ears. His will is done when you hear and believe His Word.

The "unwise" part that Paul warns us about is living as if that will of God is something other than what it is. Maybe it's living as if God's will is that you "be happy" and therefore you should just do whatever you want, whatever makes you feel good. Maybe it's that God's will is to micromanage your every single decision, making you wonder and worry about whether or not you are doing the "right" thing by picking one choice of college or classes over another. Watch out! That sort of talk about God's will isn't really about Him. It's about you!

Christ has set you free! His will is that you live freely in Him. You might choose one college or another, drive a new or a used car, have an iPhone or an Android phone. But either way, you're a forgiven sinner in Christ. He didn't save you so that you are burdened by the guilt of trying to "discern God's will for your life." He is loud and clear about what His will is: that you be saved. And more than that, He is dedicated to making that will happen for you, so that you are indeed saved, forgiven, and have everlasting life. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The will of God is always best And shall be done forever; And they who trust in Him are blest; He will forsake them never. He helps indeed In time of need; He chastens with forbearing. They who depend On God, their friend, Shall not be left despairing. ("The Will of God is Always Best" LSB 758, st. 1)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch