Devotions on Exodus 20:17
As you know, the Narrative Lectionary reading for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost is very short—one verse. It is rather difficult to prepare seven days of devotions on one verse. I have decided, therefore, to use Martin Luther’s Small Catechism and his explanation to the Ten Commandments as the basis for the devotions this week.
Monday–Coveting and Luther’s Small Catechism
The Fourth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.
Lord, thank you for giving us parents, leaders, teachers and others in authority. May they follow your guidance and may everyone be blessed by their leadership. Help us to honor you by respecting and obeying them. Amen.
Tuesday–Coveting and Luther’s Small Catechism
The Fifth Commandment
You shall not murder.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.
Lord, there is so much hurt in the world. Work through us so that we are conduits of your love and support our neighbors. Amen.
Wednesday–Coveting and Luther’s Small Catechism
The Sixth Commandment
You shall not commit adultery.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.
Lord, You have blessed us with the gift of sex. Enable us to use this gift lovingly and wisely—as you intended it to be used. Amen.
Thursday–Coveting and Luther’s Small Catechism
The Seventh Commandment
You shall not steal.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.
We confess, Lord, that we are tempted toward selfishness. Remind us that your gifts are meant to be received and shared, instead of being taken and hoarded. Amen.
Friday–Coveting and Luther’s Small Catechism
The Eighth Commandment
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.
In this time, Lord, when lying is so prevalent, enable us to be truthful. And, when it is so popular to put others down, empower us to build others up—so that you may be honored. Amen.
Saturday–Coveting and Luther’s Small Catechism
The Ninth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.
Forgive us, Lord, for being envious of the blessing others have received. Move in our hearts so that we are content. Amen.
Sunday–Coveting and Luther’s Small Catechism
The Tenth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.
Move within us, Lord, so that we are able not only to praise and thank you for your blessings in our lives, but also in the lives of our neighbors. Amen.