The Large Catechism – part 83
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Acts 12:21–24
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments
The Second Commandment
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
On the other hand, children should be constantly urged and encouraged to honor God’s name, and keep it upon their lips in all situations and experiences. Truly honoring his name means imploring it for all consolation, and expecting to be heard. Accordingly, as we have heard above, first, the heart through faith gives God the honor due him, and then the lips do so in confession.
Pulling It Together: In this example of Herod, we may quickly observe what is important to God. Herod was full of himself, wanting people to hear his words. When the people, wanting government welfare, wrongly honored him with the appellation of a god, he accepted their praise. Elsewhere in the Scripture, we see people correct this misappropriation of the honor due to God alone (Acts 10:26; Revelation 19:10, 22:8-9). Herod was dealt a fatal blow, and his words died with him. But God’s word, and therefore, the honor due his name, will endure forever (Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:25).
Prayer: Grant me the wisdom, O God, and the courage to give you the glory always. 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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