June 15, 2026

Daily Lectionary:Proverbs 15:1-29; John 15:12-27

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9:10)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Have you ever had a conversation with a toddler? They are sure of everything. They know how to put on their shoes. They know how to get dressed. They know what they want to eat. They KNOW!

And yet, would you eat a meal that was prepared by a toddler? Would you feel safe with a doctor who was a toddler? You see what I mean, right? Being two or three years old does not make you an expert in, well, anything.

Here’s the truth, though. You aren’t an expert either. You may be older than two, but are you still a sinner? (Martin Luther, in the Small Catechism, invites us to consider our lives according to the Ten Commandments…how’s that going for you?) You make mistakes. You still hurt yourself and your neighbors. Age doesn’t mean maturity or expertise.

So how do we become wise? How can we know what is true? Those are great questions. And our reading today teaches us: start with God and His Word.

When we start with God, we realize that we are dependent, humble, begging creatures who, without merit or worthiness, implore their Creator for mercy. In fact, Romans 5 teaches us that we were enemies of God - we were dead - when He chose us, redeemed us, and saved us. Indeed, when we start with God, we realize that we are nothing on our own. We have no knowledge. We have no skills. We have no wisdom.

God’s Word teaches us who He is and who we are. Start there. Be reminded that God is just, compassionate, and merciful. Be reminded that He made you and sustains your body and life. Be reminded that in Baptism, you are covered by Jesus’ Blood and have been given the Holy Spirit. When you start there, you are then equipped to serve your neighbors. Rejoice as a student! Celebrate the roles you have in your family. Recognize the gifts you have to be on a team, in a class, or at a job.

Rest in the knowledge that God is God and you are not; receive what He gives and use those gifts to love those around you (whom He has also given). Wisdom is indeed fearing and trusting God.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Yea, Lord, ‘twas Thy rich bounty gave My body, soul, and all I have In this poor life of labor. Lord, grant that I in ev’ry place May glorify Thy lavish grace And help and serve my neighbor. Let no false doctrine me beguile; Let Satan not my soul defile. Give strength and patience unto me To bear my cross and follow Thee. Lord Jesus Christ, my God and Lord, my God and Lord, In death Thy comfort still afford. (LSB 708:2)

Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.