The Large Catechism – part 87
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Job 29:14
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.
We may raise our youth in the fear and honor of God through childlike and playful methods, so that the First and Second Commandments are well observed and in constant practice. Then some good might take root, springing up and bearing fruit, and people grow up whom an entire land might relish and enjoy. This would be the best way to raise children, so long as they are trained with kindness and delight. Those who must be forced with rods and blows will not mature into a good breed, and at best, will act godly no longer than while the rod is on their back.
Pulling It Together: This is what The Small Catechism does; it teaches us to put on the only righteousness that is effective. It instructs us to fear, love, and trust in God, who alone is our righteousness. This is the essence of the first two commandments: learning to take God as his reputation, his name, promises we may. In so doing, we find ourselves covered in his righteousness, instead of human or religious devotion. Raising our children in this godly discipline makes good neighbors, people whom others may depend upon — all because they have learned to depend upon God.
Prayer: Cover me, Lord. 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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