“Faith,” “the knowledge of the truth,” and “the hope of eternal life” are manifested daily among us in His Word through the preaching of the Gospel of Christ Jesus (Titus 1:1–3). The times seem desperate: “fierce wolves” are among us, “not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29) and “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Luke 10:2). The Lord, however, is diligent to build and care for the Church “which he obtained with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). We are not to fear, but rather to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest” (Luke 10:2). Send us faithful laborers! Preserve all pastors and teachers, that they “hold firm to the trustworthy Word as taught” so that they, like St. Titus, “may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9)! Give us ears to hear their preaching in repentance and faith. Preserve them from falsehood, greed, and unholy living. We commend them to You and the Word of Your grace (Acts 20:32), that “when the chief Shepherd appears,” (1 Peter 5:4) He may declare, “Well done, good and faithful servant. . . Enter into the joy of your master” (Matt. 25:21).
Source: LCMS Lectionary Summaries—Feasts & Festivals
Read: Acts 20:28–35 & Titus 1:1–9
Pray: Heavenly Father, shepherd of your people, we thank you for your servant Titus, who was faithful in the care and nurture of your flock; and we pray that following his example and the teaching of his holy life, we may by your grace grow into the full statue of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (LBW p. 38)
