The Small Catechism – part 2
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 25:23
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism
What will you bishops answer Christ for so shamefully neglecting the people, and never for a moment discharging your office? May you escape the consequences. You command the Sacrament in one form, insisting on your human laws, while not caring in the least whether the people know the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, the Ten Commandments, or any part of the Word of God. Woe upon woe to you forever!
Pulling It Together
This is a charge that may be leveled at all pastors, not merely bishops. How can pastors avoid God’s disapproval (to put it mildly) of neglecting their calls? Pastors share in the joy of their Lord by dutifully preaching and teaching the gospel, and by faithfully administering the means of God’s grace in the sacraments. To be clear, there are many ways to displease the Caller of the called. It does not happen through bad doctrine alone, such as withholding the cup at Communion. It also happens when pastors are so administratively focused that the Word takes a back seat in their ministries. Meetings and paperwork tend to make people think they are getting things (the right things) done, when they are simply busy. So, pastors must make time for prayer, and teach the people how to do the same.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, focus me in your Word. Amen
Click here for resources to begin memorizing 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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