06 Feb God’s Word is the Power of the Christian Life
We just finished studying the Commandments in our 7th and 8th grade class. The Third Commandment states, “You shall keep the Sabbath Day holy.” Martin Luther’s explanation of what is at the heart of this commandment is as follow: “We are to fear and love God, so that we do not despise preaching or God’s Word, but instead keep that Word holy and gladly hear and learn it.”
At the heart of this commandment is the realization that God has made a decision to be our God and has given himself to us through His Word. He has spoken His Word into our ears with words that are outside of us; a word that is powerful, living, and active able to do what it promises. Without it, we are vulnerable to all sorts of voices and “other words” that fight for our attention.
Below is Dr. Luther’s further explanation of the vital importance to be people who find their “Sabbath rest” in sitting and hearing the Word of God.
“Let me tell you this. Even though you know the Word perfectly and have already mastered everything, you are daily under the dominion of the devil, and he does not rest day or night in seeking to take you unawares and to kindle in your heart unbelief and wicked thoughts against these three and all the other commandments. Therefore you must constantly 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, pleasure, and devotion, and it constantly creates clean hearts and minds. For this Word is not idle or dead, but effective and living. Even if no other benefit or need drove us to the Word, yet everyone should be motivated by the realization that through the Word the devil is cast out and put to flight, this commandment is fulfilled, and God is more pleased than by any hypocrisy, no matter how brilliant.”
Large Catechism I.100-102.
May our Lord lead us to find our rest in Him through gladly hearing and leaning God’s Holy Word that endures forever. God’s Word is power and delivers what he promises. God’s Word endures forever, and that word is forgiveness, life and salvation for you. Amen!
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
-Pastor Darrin Sheek
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