Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18

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From the Word: 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet blast of God; and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then the living who remain will be snatched up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:16–18)

From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Table of Duties

Certain passages of Scripture for various holy orders and positions, warning them about their duties and responsibilities:

For Wives

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as unto the Lord, like Sarah did—who obeyed Abraham, calling him lord—whose daughters you are, as long as you do right and are not afraid of any terror (Eph 5:22; 1 Pet 3:5–6).

Pulling It Together: 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 (Rom 12:1) of seeking his mercy and grace? At the end of a life, this is what makes us right with God: appealing to his grace through Christ. Doing right extends to every facet of life, even the everyday things like marriage and family. Therefore, the sometimes failures that we tend to be, even in doing ordinary things like being a wife or husband, require that we take some effort at holiness, honoring husband and wife, and in so doing, neighbor as well (1 Thes 4:4–6). Whoever disregards this practice, dishonors spouse and neighbor, but God foremost (1 Thes 4:8).

So, we must take aim at doing God’s will: that which is good, acceptable, and perfect to him (Rom 12:2). We must do so in all things, yet especially to our neighbor, and in particular, our nearest neighbor. Those who do so, may sincerely seek God’s forgiveness in times of weakness, having nothing to fear on that Day. We should find comfort in these words.

Prayer: Help me fulfill my calling, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

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