The Large Catechism – part 10
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ezekiel 34:7
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, Introduction
Yet these delicate, finicky fellows would, after one reading, straightaway be doctors above all doctors, know everything, and need nothing. Well, this too, is a sure sign that they despise both their office and the souls of the people — yes even God and his Word. They do not have to fall; they are already fallen all too horribly. They need to become children and begin to learn their ABCs, which they imagine they outgrew long ago.
Pulling It Together: Who calls pastors and teachers? God, of course. He should be able to expect of those he has employed that they do their work as he intends. Yet, in our churches, too many have ignored the basic teachings of Scripture. A pastor goes in to a new parish and sees the evidence plainly. It is as though Luther never made his tour of Saxony, never wrote the Catechism. Worse, because it has not been taught — indeed, has not been learned by the pastors — many so-called shepherds have jumped to the devil's answer: “The Catechism is not relevant in modern culture.”
This is tantamount to saying, While the Ten Commandments are irrelevant, what I want to tell you is quite important. God will hold them accountable (Ezekiel 34:10); only let us do better, feeding and caring for the sheep who are in our folds.
Prayer: Give me the strength and courage to be faithful, Lord. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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