The Large Catechism – part 92
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Acts 16:22–24
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments
The Third Commandment
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
Secondly, and most especially, take the time and the freedom to attend divine service on such days of rest (since we can get no other opportunity), coming together to hear and discuss God’s Word, and then to praise God in song and prayer.
Pulling It Together: On their way to worship, Paul and Silas were hounded by a slave fortune-teller, whom they healed of demonic possession, essentially cutting of a flow of money to her owners. For this, they had Paul and Silas beaten and imprisoned. This was madness: order and kindness roughly cast aside for gain. Yet, is this not the way of things? And do we not do this very thing ourselves?
Paul and Silas, as well as other Christians in the New Testament, continually went to worship in spite of the harsh treatment they might receive, just as their Lord did (Luke 4:28-29). In our own times, we hear of devout believers who forfeit employment because they refuse to work on the Lord’s Day. What keeps us from the Table, the pulpit, and Christian fellowship — from following Christ Jesus? Do we love something more than God, more than keeping his commandment?
“He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world will safeguard it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, let him follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:25–26).
Prayer: Help me follow you, Lord, despite the appeals of the world. 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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