Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Leviticus 19:1–4

Click for larger image

Click above for larger graphic  • Image  • Index of Scripture graphics and posts

  Click for audio of today's lesson.

From the Word: 1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. 3 Every person shall respect his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God. 4 Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves metal gods. I am the Lord your God.'" (Leviticus 19:1–4)

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 Children

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, as this is proper. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with promise) that it may be well with you, and that you may be long-lived on the land (Eph 6:1–3).

Pulling It Together: 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.” When our small consciences refused to accept the demands of mother and father, we appealed to fairness, even insisting our parents explain themselves to us: children. And the response we received was final, and good for us: Because I said so. Those who obeyed, knew cooler backsides, and have otherwise, lived longer and better in the land.

It is much the same with our heavenly Father. In his wisdom, far exceeding our collective comprehension, he tells us what we must do, and why we must do what he says. “I am the Lord your God.” Because I said so; that is why.

Not only is it proper for children to respect their parents, it gives them the most excellent training in godly obedience. Those who have learned well in the home school, will fare far better in the church and in the world.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for giving me parents, so that I could begin to learn your ways in the home. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Getting to Know Martin Luther is a five-lesson Conformation workbook about Martin Luther's life that will help confirmands get a better glimpse into what faith means for their own lives by searching and understanding the Word of God, trusting in Christ alone for our salvation, standing up for what they believe in, and helping others to learn the truth about God.

Leader's Guide


Share this post


Click Here For Content Archives