The Small Catechism – part 256
Scripture Text: Leviticus 19:1–4
How many times have we heard it said to us by our parents? Who can say how much good those four little words have done for us? “Because I said so.”
The Small Catechism – part 255
Scripture Text: Matthew 6:8
Our heavenly Father knows of everything we need, but do earthly parents understand everything that their children need? We know the basics, yet some of the real necessities can go begging.
The Small Catechism – part 254
Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18
When we do well, we should not be afraid of anything that might bring terror into this life. What is more right and holy, more acceptable to God, than to offer ourselves to him in the living worship of seeking his mercy and grace?
The Small Catechism – part 253
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:27–28
When marriage is rightly considered as a vocation, a calling for life, it is sobering. Would that more couples entered into the estate with a proper understanding of the gravity of what lies ahead.
The Small Catechism – part 252
Scripture Text: Exodus 34:8
See how Moses did not take matters into his own hands—perhaps as he had done when he emptied his hands of the tablets in a fit of exasperation and anger. He soon humbled himself under the Lord’s will, bowing in worship.
The Small Catechism – part 251
Scripture Text: Exodus 33:3
It can be difficult to obey the will of God when we are busy listening to our own voices. This was the case of the people of Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness.
The Small Catechism – part 250
Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3
Those called to the ministry of the Word deserve their wages. It is written, but it does not say how much or how well. The closest we can come to an understanding of salary is that those who do so most ably deserve twice as much pay for their labors.
The Small Catechism – part 249
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:1–10
The Beatitudes provide us a sufficient test of those who would be teachers of the Word of God. The rest of Scripture makes it even clearer, but if we looked for evidence of the Beatitudes in the lives of those whom congregations are considering for pastoral call, we would do well.
The Small Catechism – part 248
Scripture Text: Exodus 24:11
Even when facing the fear of God’s wrath, the leaders of the people were able to go up into the mountain of God with Moses and Joshua. How is it that they were able to do such a fearsome act?
The Small Catechism – part 247
Scripture Text: Matthew 4:1–4
When at table, and we consider all of God’s benefits, we must not think only of those things that go into our mouths. We should also give thanks for what comes out of God’s mouth.
The Small Catechism – part 246
Scripture Text: Colossians 1:15–17
Once again this morning, I looked for Corona virus news in the local paper. Specifically, I was looking for news about social isolation and stay-at-home orders.
The Small Catechism – part 245
Scripture Text: Colossians 1:9–14
When we return thanks to God, our gratitude should not be merely for the food and drink we have received from him. We should be thankful for all his benefits.
The Small Catechism – part 244
Scripture Text: 1 Peter 5:6–7
What is your concern, perhaps even an anxiety? Your heavenly Father cares for you, so he shares your concern—though it is no cause for angst in him.
The Small Catechism – part 243
Scripture Text: Exodus 16:22
There are many lessons to be learned in this one verse. Let us learn one: that we may depend upon God for our daily bread, just as that wilderness congregation could.
The Small Catechism – part 242
Scripture Text: Exodus 16:10
It seems, these days, that I am looking forward to going to bed as soon as I wake up each morning. When I was a young man and earlier, a teenager, going to bed was the last thing on my mind
The Small Catechism – part 241
Scripture Text: John 15:9
Jesus wants us to do more than follow him. Following Jesus is the starting point, from which eventually, there must be something more, lest following becomes stiff habit and we hang dead upon the vine.
The Small Catechism – part 240
Scripture Text: John 14:31
“Go to your work with joy” does not mean that you love your work. It means you love the one you work for, and who is with you while you work.
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