The Large Catechism – part 109
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Luke 8:40
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments
The Third Commandment
Yet, when we seriously contemplate, hear, and use the Word, it is so effective that it is never without fruit. It always awakens new understanding, pleasure, and devoutness, and cleanses the heart, producing pure thoughts. For these words are not inoperative or dead, but creative and living.
Pulling It Together: Does it seem to you that some time has passed since you have heard from the Lord? Or, on the other hand, does it seem like it was only moments ago that God spoke? Either way, be like the crowds in Capernaum. Maybe they wanted more healings or food. Then again, because Capernaum was central to Jesus’ ministry and he would have been well known there, perhaps they were anxiously expecting the return of their rabbi. Maybe they just wanted to see him and hear from again.
So it begs the question: do we eagerly anticipate a meeting with the Lord? Have we set aside at least one time in the day, or even in the week, when we go out to meet him, to hear a word with a listening ear and a hungry heart? Is there such genuine pleasure in our friendship (John 15:15) that we cannot wait for him to speak to us again?
Prayer: Open my arms, Holy Spirit, my ears, my mind, and my truest heart to Christ Jesus. 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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