The Large Catechism – part 47
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Romans 11:8–11
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments
The First Commandment
You shall have no other gods before me.
For example, the heathen who put their trust in power and authority elevated Jupiter as the supreme god. Others, who were bent upon riches, happiness, pleasure, and a life of ease, worshiped Hercules, Mercury, Venus, or others. Women with child, venerated Diana or Lucina, and so on. Everyone made a god of that to which the heart was inclined, so that even in the minds of the heathen, to have a god means to trust and believe.
Pulling It Together: Minerva is the Roman counterpart to the modern idol of work and industry. There is nothing wrong with a day’s work or of being industrious. But when one puts their trust in the bending of the back, in human labor, in, as they say, working your way up the ladder, it can become a spiritual problem. If one trusts and believes in their works, in religious devotion and good deeds, he has elevated self over God. His mind is dark and confused. If he puts such trust in his works, may he bend his back forever. The Lord God is whom we must trust, even when our good works fail us.
Prayer: Give me enlightened eyes, Lord, that I might always hope in you alone. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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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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