July 4, 2026

Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 5 - Psalm 27:1a, 11-12, 14; antiphon: Psalm 27:7, 9b

Daily Lectionary: Joshua 10:1-25; Joshua 10:28-22:34; Acts 11:19-30

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1a)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

As a young child, I don’t really think I was scared of the dark; I just didn’t like it. I wanted to be able to see where I was walking if I got up. And there was simply a little comfort in the soft glow of the night light.

As an adult most of my ministry has been in towns with plenty of light coming through our windows, so that it is never truly “dark.” I still find the comfort and convenience of a little light to make my way to the bathroom, or kitchen for some water.

For some, though, there are things to be fearful in the dark. In a dangerous neighborhood there may be someone lurking and waiting to rob. Or maybe there is uneven ground or pavement, and someone can easily trip and be injured. In this sinful, broken world, there are many dangers that can await us there. These dangers have but one remedy. Light. And not just any light. Not a night light, or a lamp, or even a flood light.

Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) That is no mere opinion. It’s not even a comparison to other sources of light in creation. It simply is pure truth that Christ Jesus IS the Light of the world. When the darkness of sin, death, and the devil feel like they are closing in on you, and you are being pulled into the depths of darkness, Jesus is the Light who is giving the comfort and the sure and certain hope.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1a) The Light of the world is Jesus, whose very name means “The Lord saves.” He IS salvation. King David is singing the sweet and powerful truth to you that Jesus is the LORD, He is the Light of the world, and He is salvation in the flesh. Your Savior is all this for you. And so you have nothing to fear.

The devil, the world, and your own sinful flesh are constantly lurking in dark places to ambush you. Yet your Lord Jesus, the Light of the world, has overcome the darkness for you. He defends and protects you, and His whole Church, as He calls you, His baptized child, out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Fear not. Jesus is the Light of the world, for you.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed, For I am your God and will still give you aid;

I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand. (LSB 728:2)

Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.