The Large Catechism – part 108
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Luke 9:28
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments
The Third Commandment
Let me tell you that even though you know the Word perfectly and have mastered all things, you are still daily in the dominion of the devil, who neither day nor night ceases to steal upon you unawares, kindling in your heart unbelief and wicked thoughts against all the commandments. Therefore, you must always have God’s Word in your heart, upon your lips, and in your ears. For where the heart is idle, and the Word is not heard, he breaks in and has done the damage before we are aware.
Pulling It Together: Who was hounded by the devil more than Jesus? Now ask yourself: who has ever prayed more? Knowing the need, Jesus modeled the life of prayer to his disciples. He showed them how to take the time to pray. He showed them how prayer is vital in taking up our crosses and following him (Luke 9:23). Be certain of it; prayer is much more than making known your requests to the Father. We must listen to God too. And what more objective way may we hear him than in his Word. Make the time to pray in this way, not only asking your Father for all good things, but listening to him in his good and holy Word. We need to do so every bit as much and more as Jesus. Follow him.
Prayer: Open my ears and my heart, Lord, to hear your Word in my prayers. Amen.
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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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