Today, I would like to encourage you to access our website www.pacifichillslutheran.org for a message on the Fifth Commandment. It will be posted by 7:00p.m., our “normal” worship time this evening. One of the historic practices of the church is to focus on catechesis during Lent. So, during this season of reflection and repentance, we are taking a close look at the Ten Commandments our Lord has given to us.
So, a little bit about the Fifth Commandment…both in terms of God’s will, and our sin and our need for God’s grace. God’s good will for you and for the world is that he wants life protected. He wants life to flourish. After all, he is the Creator of life. He’s the author of Life. Life is a pure gift, a precious gift from him. Consequently, the Lord says: “You shall not murder.” Again, he’s talking to you! “You shall not murder.” That means that you should fear and love God so that you do not hurt or harm your neighbor in his body.
This commandment forbids murder, abortion, euthanasia, suicide, revenge, neglect, indifference, hatred, and prejudice. This commandment expects you to help and support your neighbor in every physical or bodily need. No limit to the help. And yet we fail at this constantly. We sin against the Fifth Commandment daily. So, not only does this commandment, and all of the commandments of our Father, guide our behavior, but, most importantly, they remind us of our deep need for forgiveness, which Jesus Christ has come to bring by His death and resurrection.
This evening we will once again focus on the life of David as we unpack this commandment. Perhaps you will want to read the back story to prepare for tonight’s message (2 Samuel 11:1-27). Join us later today as we together focus on the Fifth Commandment.
Blessings,
Pastor Bryan E. Drebes
“I lift my eyes unto the Hills …” – Psalm 121:1