A Reading from the Book of Concord 3 year series February 24, 2008 - Third S in Lent

Standard LSB A Readings: First: Ex. 17:1-17 Epistle: Rom. 5:1-8 Gospel: John 4:5-26(27-30,39-42) Psalm: Ps. 95:1-9

The following reading from the CONCORDIA edition of the Book of Concord is for the LSB Old Testament, Exodus 17:1-7 for the Third S in Lent, February 24, 2008.

It is from Large Catechism, Article I, paragraphs 62-64, page 365.

If only the thirsty Israelites had called on the name of the Lord asking for mercy, they would have been abundantly blessed.  It is the height of arrogance for man to judge God and His ways.  May His name be praised at all times.

Click here for the reading formatted for the back of a standard CPH bulletin.

Pastor Doug May
Socorro, New Mexico

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD	THIRD S IN LENT
LARGE CATECHISM	TEN COMMANDMENTS

"You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain."

Understand what it means to take God's name in vain.  In sum it means (a) to use His name simply for purposes of falsehood, (b) to assert in God's name something that is not true, or (c) to curse, swear, use spells, and, in short, to practice whatever wickedness one may.

Besides this you must also know how to use God's name rightly.  For when He says, "You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain," He wants us to understand at the same time that His name is to be used properly.  For His name has been revealed and given to us so that it may be of constant use and profit.  So it is natural to conclude that since this commandment forbids using the holy name for falsehood or wickedness, we are, on the other hand, commanded to use His name for truth and for all good, like when someone takes an oath truthfully when it is needed and it is demanded [Numbers 30:2].  This commandment also applies to right teaching and to calling on His name in trouble or praising and thanking Him in prosperity, and so on.  All of this is summed up and commanded in Psalm 50:15, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."  For all this is bringing God's name into the service of truth and using it in a blessed way.  In this way His name is hallowed, as we pray in the Lord's Prayer [Matthew 6:9]. (paragraphs 62-64)

Condensed from CONCORDIA: THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS, copyright 2005,2006 by Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. All rights reserved. To purchase a copy of CONCORDIA, call 800-325-3040.

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