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The Small Catechism – part 37
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Luke 10:27
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today's lesson.
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Second Commandment
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain (for the Lord will not hold guiltless those who take his name in vain).
What does this mean?
Answer: We should fear and love God so that we do not use his name superstitiously or to curse, swear, lie, or deceive, but call upon him in every time of need, and worship him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
Pulling It Together: So, we see that taking the Lord’s name vainly does not only break the Second Commandment; it also breaks the First Commandment. For taking the Lord’s name in vain demonstrates a lack of fear, love, and trust in God above all things. One who fears someone would never sully his reputation. Despising the one who is loved never enters the thoughts of the lover. Disgracing the one who is trusted would be self-defeating, likely depriving you of your need. Therefore, if we truly believe in God, we fear, love, and trust him with our entire being. In really doing so, we will not use his name vainly, for there is no need to do so.
Prayer: Help me to live what I believe, Lord. 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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