The Large Catechism – part 138
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Revelation 21:9–11
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments
The Fourth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother, (that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.)
Additionally, you have the promise that you will prosper and fare well in all good. How can you lead a more blessed or a holier life as far as your works are concerned? For in the sight of God, faith is what really makes a person holy. Faith alone serves God, but our works serve people.
Pulling It Together: Would you do things to brighten your standing with God? Then you would simply shine with your own dim, human qualities. The Christian, however, reflects a divine glory. God is at work within us, standing us up before him like lampstands (Revelation 1:12), glowing with a light not our own.
We shine best when we do good works for others, for our neighbors (Matthew 5:14–16). Do your holy, neighborly work first in the home, then outside of it. These are the folks who need your shining deeds. As Luther said, “God doesn’t need your good works, but your neighbor does.”
Prayer: Cause your church to shine, Lord. Amen.
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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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