I came across the following writings by Martin Luther in my daily readings, and was reminded that this commandment is not "just" about worship on Sundays or any other "Sabbath" day on which we gather around God's Word. It's really all about God's Word!!!
The Third Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.
From Luther’s Large Catechism, (underlining added by me):
Let me tell you this. Even though you know the Word perfectly and have already mastered everything, still you are daily under the dominion of the devil, who neither day nor night relaxes his effort to steal upon you unawares and to kindle in your heart unbelief and wicked thoughts against all these commandments. Therefore, you must continually keep God’s Word in your heart, on your lips, and in your ears. For where the heart stands idle and the Word is not heard, the devil breaks in and does his damage before we realize it.
On the other hand, when we seriously ponder the Word, hear it, and put it to use, such is its power that it never departs without fruit. It always awakens new understanding, new pleasure, and a new spirit of devotion, and it constantly cleanses the heart and its meditations. For these words are not idle or dead, but effective and living.
Even if no other interest or need drove us to the Word, yet everyone should be spurred on by the realization that in this way the devil is cast out and put to flight, this commandment is fulfilled, and God is more pleased than by any work of hypocrisy, however brilliant.
Dear brothers & sisters in the Word [who] became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14):
Of highest priority in our daily lives, is living in and under the Word of God. Every day, receive His written Word through daily reading, praying and meditating upon your Bible. As often as possible, receive His body & blood, given for you for the remission of your sins in the blessed sacrament of Holy Communion at Pilgrim or another confessional Lutheran church. In His holy Supper, John 1:14 is real for you, the Word made flesh, physically and tangibly IN you!!!
What an amazing miracle and astounding blessing God gives to us, in His Word! Receive Him every day, for protection from the devil and the salvation of your soul!
Peace in Christ, the Word made flesh,
Pastor Mark
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS Burton, Michigan
Soli Deo Gloria
"Blesséd be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.” Psalm 68:19
Like
Comment
Share
No comments:
Post a Comment