The Large Catechism – part 109

Scripture Text: Luke 8:40

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From the Word: Now as Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. (Luke 8:40)

From the ConfessionsThe Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments

The Third Commandment

Yet, when we seriously contemplate, hear, and use the Word, it is so effective that it is never without fruit. It always awakens new understanding, pleasure, and devoutness, and cleanses the heart, producing pure thoughts. For these words are not inoperative or dead, but creative and living.

Pulling It Together: Does it seem to you that some time has passed since you have heard from the Lord? Or, on the other hand, does it seem like it was only moments ago that God spoke? Either way, be like the crowds in Capernaum. Maybe they wanted more healings or food. Then again, because Capernaum was central to Jesus’ ministry and he would have been well known there, perhaps they were anxiously expecting the return of their rabbi. Maybe they just wanted to see him and hear from again.

So it begs the question: do we eagerly anticipate a meeting with the Lord? Have we set aside at least one time in the day, or even in the week, when we go out to meet him, to hear a word with a listening ear and a hungry heart? Is there such genuine pleasure in our friendship (John 15:15) that we cannot wait for him to speak to us again? 

Prayer: Open my arms, Holy Spirit, my ears, my mind, and my truest heart to Christ Jesus. Amen.

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The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

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