Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Esther 4:14

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From the Word: For if you keep silent at this time, then relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you are not come to the kingdom for an occasion like this? (Esther 4:14)

From the ConfessionsThe Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments

The Third Commandment

Accordingly, when asked what the commandment, you shall sanctify the holy day, means, answer, “Sanctifying the holy day is the same as keeping it holy.” But what is meant by keeping it holy? Nothing else than being occupied in holy words, works, and life. The day needs no sanctification for itself, for God created it holy. He wants it to be holy to you. Therefore, it becomes holy or unholy on your account, as you occupy the day with holy or unholy things.

Pulling It Together: Why are you in the kingdom but to be a subject, doing your king’s bidding? But what is his will? you may wonder. He has made this matter obvious, though the details may seem unclear. So one must begin with what is known. The King has given his commandments; there is the starting place. Moving forward requires the same beginning. Who knows whether you were called into the kingdom for some special purpose, like Esther, or whether you are to fear, love, and trust in God so much that you do things like keeping the Lord’s Day holy to yourself? Furthermore, who knows what wonders God’s Spirit performs through you? You may never know what your keeping the commandments has caused to happen in the lives of others. Esther could not know but did what was before her at any rate, and her people were saved. God may do much the same through you. Regardless, he has commanded you to keep the day holy.

Prayer: Lord, give me all the courage, strength, and determination to do what you command. Amen.

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