Read the Large Catechism with me.
Ten-minute studies on short readings from the Large Catechism.
Let's do this.
Click on the link below and read the short assigned reading. Then, if you have time, check out what I have to say about it. If not, no problem. Just soak up the goodness of the LC.
The Second Commandment Part 2: Click here and read 57-68.
The basics:
- God has a threat attached to the second commandment: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
- We all hold within us the desire to cover up our sins and make ourselves look holy and righteous. In so doing, we are using God's name in vain.
- Children are to be taught to hold the first two commandments in high regard. Luther says children are to be brought up with discipline and the reverence and fear of the Lord.
- Besides knowing how NOT to use God's name, we must be taught how TO use it rightly. The Lord's name has been given to us to be of constant use and profit.
- When the Lord's name is called upon in all praise, thanksgiving, need, truth, and right teaching, His name is being hallowed, as we pray in the Lord's Prayer.
- Swearing in God's name in court is not done in vain when one uses it to pronounce truth and for the good of the neighbor.
My thoughts today:
I can't read about swearing in a courtroom without thinking of our oldest son, who was adopted at birth. My husband was giddy about taking the stand on our behalf at his adoption finalization. He boldly and proudly swore to tell the truth, so help him God.
The "so help him God" was the most important part of that sentence. Just as following a birth, parents who are adopting have no idea what they are signing onto. The trials, the joys, the frustrations, the laughs, the pain, the love. It is not imaginable on that first day. Sometimes when I try to explain this to people I compare adoption to the vows you take in a marriage. When I married my husband, I had absolutely NO CLUE what those vows were going to mean down the road.
But with the help of God, I vowed them that day.
And with the help of God, I honor those vows daily.
The same is true with adoption.
With the help of God, we swore to raise and care for him.
With the help of God, we honor that vow daily.
So, using God's name to serve your neighbor is pretty awesome. Whether that neighbor is your husband or your son or your friend or your parent or your next-door neighbor. With the help of God, we keep on serving.
