The Large Catechism – part 124
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:15–18
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments
The Fourth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother, (that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.)
Therefore, I repeat that I would be very glad if people would open their eyes and ears, and take this to heart, so that they are not again led astray from the pure Word of God to the lying vanities of the devil. Then, all would be well. Parents would have more joy, love, friendship, and concord in their houses, and thereby, their children could captivate their parents’ hearts.
Pulling It Together: True holiness and enlightenment is that which receives its righteousness and revelation from the living Christ, rather than trying to squeeze piety and secrets from the dead husk of works and religion. These only come to us through faith in God’s grace. But how are we to live in this grace? A homespun analogy may help. We are never not the offspring of our mothers and fathers, yet we are nevertheless, to remain obedient in their homes. So too, the baptized are always children of the Father; they did nothing to deserve that; it is their birthright. But they are to obey his commandments nonetheless. Doing so does not generate salvation, but does bring immeasurable contentment to both God and Christ’s church.
Prayer: Enliven me to keep your Word, Father, so that I might bring a smile to your face. 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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