Happy Epiphany
Text : Matthew 2
Pray for those who do not yet know Christ
and for those who know Him but do not follow or honor him.
What gifts can you honor Christ with today?
Pray for more revealing of God’s presence in your daily discernment.
Christmas and Small Catechism Final Two Commandments
Bible readings along with this are Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-23, particularly the first few verses. Notice also the Genealogy that begins the Gospel. The people that lead up to Jesus are significant.
As we are in the year of Matthew, notice how different the birth story is.
Today’s video is not strictly about the birth story, but about what happens as time passes.
How does the meaning of Christmas change as time passes?
Are there parts of Christmas that we don’t want to let go of?
Pray for those who travel and those who protect the travelers.
Pray for those without a home, those who are transients or refugees–knowing that they have names and lives that were torn apart. Prayerfully consider how we can see Jesus in those who are without permanent shelter.
Pray for contentment, that it would grow and find a home in your heart.
Peace and Love in Christ,
Andrew
Exploring the Small Catechism 1:8
The Eighth Commandment can seem like a tough request, especially when we consider Luther’s explanation to view all that others do in the best possible light. Certainly this requires something on a direct line to sainthood! Yet, this is a commandment which has a broad impact on the world. Imagine how different our election this fall would have been. What if “not bearing false witness” were a requirement? What if we, the people, could find the candidates (both) guilty of such a charge? It sounds far-fetched, doesn’t it. Imagine how many friendships and relationships would still be intact had this commandment been followed. Imagine what it would be like if “truth-tellers” were actually telling the truth to help others and for the reputations of others to be preserved.
Scripture references to check out (this is a very shortened list):
Matthew 7:1-5 Always a good image to consider when the false witnessing takes on a judgmental tone. The King of metaphors, Jesus points to the real truth in these verses.
Luke 22:54-62 What should Peter have said? How is this commandment so important in terms of character referencing? What does it mean that Peter betrays Jesus in such a stark manner, and later is forgiven and becomes the first leader of the church?
Similarly, what do you do when someone asks you for a reference and you do not know of good things to say–should you lie in omission? No, you should give the best reference that you can and be truthful, yet as kind as possible.
James 4:11-12 (the tongue reference is earlier in chapter three).
Psalm 15:2 A good verse to repeat prayerfully
Ephesians 4:15 A good verse to memorize!
John 18:25-38 Notice the importance of truth and how difficult it is to clearly identify in the midst of disagreements, trials, and confusions.
Pray for your tongue, to represent you well.
Pray for those who do not know or understand the truth, having long become friends with Mr. and Mrs. Slander (they aren’t even married, you know…).
Peace in Christ,
Andrew
Exploring the Small Catechism 1:7
After the video, check out Joshua 7, Ephesians 4 (specifically verse 28), and John 10–particularly verse 10.
It is not a secret that Jesus speaks frequently about money and our careful and generous use of it to further God’s kingdom.
You may not know that the Bible also prohibits interest on loans, which Luther helps us to see is basically stealing (particularly high interest which is very difficult to pay off.
Pray for those who are responsible for paying workers.
Pray for those who govern and rule, that they would work for justice against stealing.
Pray for those who relate to you or are under you and do all you can to be sure you do not steal or cheat them out of anything.
In Christ,
Pastor Andrew Fitch
Small Catechism 1:6
For further study see Samuel 2:11.
Small Catechism 1:5
The Fifth Commandment
For further study, take a look at Genesis 4:1-16.
Considering all of the ways that Luther’s answer applies to our life is overwhelming. Don’t shut down, though, consider the ways that you can be more faithful. The big question really is, “In what ways am I potentially killing others?”
Consider also how Jesus injects himself into our killing and warring ways. This, for me, brings new meaning into the term “human shield.” He winds up dead, but God is capable of swallowing death. So, Jesus charges us with continuing his mission of reverence for life. The mission began with the gift of the Law and was fulfilled through him and is being fulfilled through us. Every time we show reverence for life, we honor Christ. Matthew 25:34-36 is a good connection to see how loving and caring for God means caring for and serving others.
Pray for those who do not see their harmful ways, that they may be turned from violence and hatred.
Pray for those who work for justice and peace-keeping.
Pray for those who work in food pantries, health care, welfare offices, and relief services.
Pray for those who guard the environment and those who grow food for hungry neighbors.
Yours in Christ,
Andrew Fitch
Exploring Small Catechism 1:4
The Fourth Commandment
Respect, obey, love, and serve all authorities!
This commandment is an invitation to be an active participant in the good for your family and society. You can work for reconciliation in all areas of your life. In our families and familial relationships we can learn to live in an atmosphere of patience and forgiveness. Even though this commandment seems one sided (directed to the sons and daughters), I think the love and care of parents is presumed by God. We are echoing God’s love that is already for us as God’s children.
What about those families, though, that are seriously broken? Are we supposed to honor someone that is abusive or neglectful? What about families where divorce, separation and other problems have ripped apart the fabric of the family and added or replaced some members with virtual strangers? What then, you might ask in frustration? Remember that the Ten Commandments flow from the first, and love is at the center. God is a loving God. So when the attitudes and actions are not loving toward you or even God’s self, you can be an agent of change. When home life is dangerous or harmful to you, that is when you are to obey the authorities that God has called to get you into safety or those that are working to build back harmony. To be clear, God does NOT require us to blindly honor wicked parents or authorities. We have a brain and God wants us to use it. If you are unclear about this, talk to your pastor or someone in authority that you trust and can help you to understand a way forward.
For further study, check out:
Deut. 6:6-7 Matthew 18:15 Romans 12:17 Ephesians 4:15 Ephesians 4:26 Ephesians 6:4 Colossians 3:13
Pray:
Thanking God for the help and support of parents and those who lead and serve to protect the family.
Ask God to watch over your family and all families.
Pray for strength and patience with those who are working to help families.
Pray for those who are victims of abuse.
Pray for church leaders and governmental authorities, that they would lead and guide with integrity.
Exploring the Small Catechism 1:3
The Third Commandment
Remember the Sabbath,to keep it holy.
Just so we are clear about the day: The Jewish Sabbath day is Saturday. This is the last day of the week. See Genesis 1– the divinely ordered day of rest after the work of creation. The Resurrection occurred on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. This is why it is also called the Lord’s Day. Both together are why we have a “weekend.” So, if you like weekends, thank God! Recognizing that not all people have a five day work week is certainly part of this commandment. God is looking out for the “little guy” and setting an ordinance to prevent overworking the servants and workers, but also for all of us to keep the holy rhythm. Prayerfully consider what it means to enjoy time off at the expense of others.
One of my new favorite podcasts – One Extraordinary Marriage, always starts with the same tag lines that include “being busy is overdone.” How true is that?! Even when we have days off or holidays, we rarely rest in them and give glory to God in the midst of them. Being busy is not a sign of importance or status. It is a sign that we don’t know how to appropriately say no to things besides rest and God. As I write this, I am ahead of the “Christmas rush.” I know of some that have already begun to purchase and plan. I have often scoffed at this timing, but if it helps you to be less busy and actually engage in the relationships around you, then I think it is good.
A closing thought from Alvin N. Rogness, there are clubs and teams that require you to attend every meeting or practice. If you miss, you are out. “The church has no such rule. You can miss the church service and still be a member, though your absence may be harmful to you.” In fact, many churches find it hard to clear the membership rolls of those that are long gone. God only requires us to love God and to love one another. All of the other commandments support the first one. If you love God, you want to honor God’s name and show up in the time and place set aside specifically to listen to God and to thank God. What would you think of a football payer that didn’t bother to show up for scheduled practices.
PEACE
Andrew
Exploring the Small Catechism 1:2
The Second Commandment.
Check out Exodus 3 to go along with this piece. Superficially, the bush by this name should be taking on its characteristic bright red colors right about now (at the time of this writing). More deeply, this passage is about Name and naming. What does it mean to you that God discloses a personal name to us, through the people of our heritage? Incidentally, this would be a good and clear reason for us to love and cherish our Jewish brothers and sisters–our parent has the same name!
Also, particularly poignant is Matthew 20:11-18. Pay particular attention to verse 16. It is in the name that God becomes recognizable. This time, to the first human witness of the Resurrection. God knows the power of being called by our name to grab our attention and be in conversation. What does it mean that God knows our name and wants to call us by our name just as much as God wants us to call upon God by the Name above all Names?
Names and naming is a very significant theme in the Bible (and in ordinary life). Names change or are transformed marking covenants and conversions. Your favorite Bible character probably had two names. One before God and one after God touched their life.
Take a moment to pray considering your name and what it means that God knows it (and all the nicknames).
Pray also for those recently named into the Book of Life.
Pray for those who are nameless and unknown, those who their society or culture rejects or ignores, recognizing that God knows them and does not want us to live and treat others that way.
Shalom.
Exploring the Small Catechism Series 1:1
This week’s video message. After watching, be sure to read Exodus 20:1-17
Don’t forget the Small Catechism text- Free APP:
iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/luthers-small-catechism/id1114077769?mt=8
Google Play/ Windows:
Small Catechism text – (paste in browser)
https://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/product/22230/Luther-Small-Catechism-Anniversary-Pocket-Edition-5-pkg
Pay particular to the first few verses of Exodus Chapter 20.
Note what God says in verse two–Remember that I am the God that rescued you. At the heart of the Ten Commandments is the reality that God is the Deliverer. The covenant is set up with us for the purpose of rescuing us from further harm.
Often the Ten Commandments are viewed only as Law, as that which punishes. God, however, intends much more through the goodness of the Law. It is a perspective of rebellion that leads us to see God’s Law as only restricting and punishing. God is indeed a loving parent that wants to protect us and keep us from harming ourselves and others.
Spend some time considering ways that God has delivered you and thanking God of the deliverance that you have experienced.
Pray for those in need of deliverance in their lives: poor, sick, dying, addicts, those on a dangerous path.
Pray in particular for those who might need your witness or example–those who are wandering far from God’s intended safety.