Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Revelation 20:12

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From the Word: And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, which is the one of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the scrolls, according to what they had done. (Revelation 20:12)

From the ConfessionsThe Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments

The Fourth Commandment

Honor your father and your mother, (that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.)

If this truth could be impressed upon the poor people, a servant girl would dance and praise and thank God. With her tidy work, for which she receives support and wages, she would obtain a treasure greater than those acquired by any who are regarded as great saints. Is it not an excellent assertion to know and say that, “Doing my daily chores is better than all the piety and abstinence of monks”?

Pulling It Together: When the scroll of life is opened, what will it say about you? How will it record your response to the great commandment? Will you have loved the Lord your God so much as to believe in him and take him at his word? Will you have loved your neighbor as yourself? Will the scroll show that you even knew your neighbor, or at least your closest neighbors? They are, of course, your parents and family and workmates. If you have loved God and those neighbors, the scroll of life will record that you lived a godly life, for what more can be asked of a soul than to keep the great commandment?

Prayer: Help me to get my house in order, Lord. Amen.

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A primer (pronounced PRIH-mur) is a small introductory book on a subject, often for beginners. Primers were once a standard part of every child’s education. Typically, they contained many quotations from the Bible and moral lessons as well, and the text was accompanied by numerous woodcut illustrations. This primer on marriage, by Pastor Wendy Berthelsen, contains color, woodcut initials throughout, and serves as a nice devotional resource.

A Marriage Primer may be handed out by congregations to couples preparing for marriage, or as a gift to go along with presenting a marriage certificate. For individuals, it would also make a good small gift for a wedding or shower. 


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