April 27, 2026

Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 9:1-24; Luke 9:18-36

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” (Isaiah 40:28-29)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Nike tells you to “Just do it!” Your football coach says, “Winners never quit.” Motivational slogans can be helpful on the court, field, or soccer pitch. What works on the field, however, doesn’t always make the cut when it comes to the Christian faith. Life as a baptized saint doesn’t always look like it does for the heroes of an inspirational movie, and it’s rarely as smooth as a clever slogan on a motivational poster.

There are moments, days, weeks, months, and even years where you’re worn out, weak, and weary: Physically. Mentally. Spiritually. Times when you ache and groan from the hurts and pains of your own trespasses and from those who have trespassed against you. Times when you’re weary of scrolling through so much evil in the world that it’s overwhelming. Times when you grow faint, and it feels as if your faith is wavering, flickering like a birthday candle in a tornado.

Isaiah knew days like this. Yahweh called him to preach God’s warning and promise to His wayward people, Israel. But did they listen? Not nearly as often as they ignored God and His prophets. All those years of teaching, preaching, and proclaiming Yahweh’s warning and promises. No doubt there were plenty of days when Isaiah felt weary, faint, and sapped of strength in body, mind, and spirit.

But Isaiah had something, and you have something that those motivational posters and inspirational movies don’t have: Yahweh’s promise. “He does not grow faint or weary,” declares Isaiah. “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” Isaiah knew that faith and trust in Yahweh wasn’t for winners, but for sinners, like Isaiah, Israel, and you and me.

To be sure, there will be days in this life that will still leave you feeling weary and faint. But take comfort in this, that when you are weak, weary, and faint, you’re in good company. You’re not alone.

Isaiah proclaimed the Good News that Yahweh delivers us, not by our might, but by his mercy. Not by our power but his promise. Not by our strength, but in the Savior Isaiah foretold. A Savior, who came not in an awesome display of power or athletic prowess, but in weakness, humility, and sacrifice. His name is Jesus. Immanuel. God with us, even in moments of weariness. His steadfast love for you never fails. Never quits. Never ends.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Creator of the stars of night, Thy people’s everlasting Light: O Christ, Redeemer, save us all And hear Thy servants when they call. (LSB 351:1)