The Small Catechism – part 89
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Jeremiah 22:13
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for audio of today's lesson.
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Seventh Commandment
You shall not steal.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not rob our neighbors of their money or property or take from them by unfair dealing or fraud, but help them to improve and protect their property and means of making a living.
Pulling It Together: Our Scripture reference today was originally written about Jehoiakim, king of Judah from 609 to 598 BC. He made his citizens build his palace but did not pay them. He cheated them out of their labor. Yet it might be addressed to us. The same “woe” is announced to any employer who does not pay, or even properly pay, an employee. The reverse is also true: woe to an employee who receives a paycheck without having done the work. And to those who do injustice to their neighbors by stealing their goods, hacking their accounts, defrauding them in any way: woe! Disaster and despair await them. The Lord of justice is not duped.
Prayer: Give me your righteous character, Lord, so that I may love my neighbor, and thereby, love you. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
Share this post
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.
Click Here For Content Archives