The Small Catechism – part 189
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Hebrews 7:1–3
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism
The Conclusion
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
What does this mean?
It means that I should be certain that such petitions are acceptable to our heavenly Father and are heard by him, for he himself has commanded us to pray in this manner and has promised to hear us. So we pray with confidence: “Amen,” meaning, “Yes, it shall be so.”
Pulling It Together: God has made believers a kingdom of priests (Isaiah 61:6; Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6). Priests are the ones who receive the tithe from subordinates, as Melchizedek did from Abraham. Though priests, our blessings nonetheless come from a higher power than ourselves, so we give back a portion. The kingdom and the power and the glory are entirely his; we are dependent upon him, offering in tribute a portion of his blessings.
See how God turns common practice on its head: the sovereign priest giving to his inferiors. Giving back the tithe is our “amen,” our confident assent that a higher sovereignty, might, and wonder will always bless his people. In God our King, “righteousness and peace kiss each other,” (Psalm 85:10), and the result is everlasting blessing.
Prayer: O righteous King, you are our everlasting peace. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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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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