October 6, 2026
Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:(1-3) 4-9
Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 5:22-6:9; Matthew 9:1-17
“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Three words. Four syllables. Yet no greater words have been written, nor greater words confessed, “God is faithful.” Our very lives depend on these words. All our hopes are anchored to these words. Every promise of God made to you hangs on these very words, “God is faithful.” What does this mean? Simply put, God’s faithfulness means that God is true to himself and he is true to his Word. Think about all the ways we can describe God’s character; he is holy, just, good, unchanging, eternal, wise, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present. He is loving, kind, patient, merciful, and gracious. This is who God is, and because he is faithful, he will always act accordingly. This means he is trustworthy, and when faith trusts God to be true to who he is, our faith will never disappoint or be put to shame.
God is not only true to himself, but he is true to his word. This means when God makes a promise, he will keep it. He will never go back on his word. He will never change his mind. He will never over-promise, making promises he can’t keep. This is why God’s word is a rock we can confidently stand upon, and a shelter to find safety. It is an anchor to hold us in the storms of our lives, and a surrounding shield to protect us. His faithful word is like a compass that leads us, even if we can’t see what is ahead of us. His word is truly a light upon our path and a lamp to our feet.
Because God is true to himself and true to his words, he calls you to wholeheartedly trust in him – he will never let you down.
But what about when we let God down? What about when we are unfaithful? Is God still faithful, even then? Oh yes! A thousand times, yes! Our unfaithfulness does not cancel out God’s faithfulness. This is the wonderful, beautiful, mind-blowing truth and gift of God’s faithfulness. “If we are faithless, he remains faithful” (2 Timothy 2:13). This means his forgiveness is never-ending for you. If we confess our sins, remember what God promises? He is “faithful” to forgive you and cleanse you from all of your unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
You have been called by God, called by his gospel. And in his gospel promises, he will keep you, because he is true to his word. So, when you find yourself beginning to question God’s love for you or his forgiveness for you. When doubts flood your mind or challenge what has been promised to you, remember God is faithful. He has called you, and he will keep you.
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me (LSB 809)
Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.
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