Family Relations                                             4^th – 6^th Commandments

As we continue our summer review of Luther’s Small Catechism, today, we are looking at the next three commandments, four, five and six. We begin by reciting those commandments..

Our theme for this week is Family Relations, based upon these three commandments. However, there is a struggle I faced with considering these three as familial commands. I can understand the fourth commandment and its topic of parent and child, and the sixth speaking to the subject of spouses and other intimate relationships. Yet, there is this fifth commandment having to do with murder, or as some of us memorized it kill.

With a God who is so organized in creating the universe in such an systematized fashion, with seasons coming as they do in order that life thrives and putting life in motion the way he does, this placement seems out of sorts. How does the taking of life fit between the two bookends of family and friends?

Perhaps the answer can be found in Luther’s explanation of the Fifth Commandment:

We are to fear and love God, so that we neither endanger nor harm the lives of our neighbors, but instead help and support them in all of life’s needs

In our relationship with God, our call is to stand in awe of God and his love that he would provide for our needs and our intimate relationships. Whether that is parents, who stand in as God’s representatives and carry out God’s will of care for us; or whether that is those with whom we share a balanced relationship and with whom we are to treat with decency, honor and love. It is in our caring for the other, by honoring and loving the other that we demonstrate our reverence, love and trust in God.

In those intimate relationships, it is, as Luther states, God’s real intention that we should not allow any harm to anyone. But also the harm should not come by our hands, heart and mind. Harm does come only by physical action, but by our thoughts as well, as Jesus explains in Matthew 5:21-22,

²¹"You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder'; and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.'

 ²² But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister,you will be liable to judgment; and if you insulta brother or sister,³ you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hellof fire.

In these verse, Jesus wants us to see that it is not only actions that condemn, but also thought of the heart and the mind. When we harbor resentment and evil `intention toward others, we harbor resentment and evil toward God whom we are to reverence, love and trust.

When we embark on such an endeavor, we hurt and harm our relationships, both with others and God. We lay up a wall and barrier between us and others, us and God..

But thanks be to God that for the sake of Christ, God has broken down the wall to forgiveness and new life. A new life that allows us to mend the brokenness and heal the wounds of disruption and bind us together in the Spirit of Life.

God sets us in a place of wholeness with himself and each other where life can be lived in unity, hope and faith. In a repaired relationship.

Next week, we will enter into the theme of Community Relations. To help tp begin to think about this, I leave you with the last verse of our Gospel reading for today:

³¹ Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. ³² A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” ³³ And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” ³⁴ And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! ³⁵ Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Would you please join me in prayer for our life together in the words of an old hymn?

Bind us together Lord,. bind us together with cords that cannot be broken. Bind us together Lord,. bind us together Lord, bind us together in your love. Amen.

And Amen.