Friday
September 2, 2021

Discipleship Point

Matthew 5:28

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

The Point

You shall not commit adultery.

What does this mean? Per Luther’s Catechism, 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.

Luther helps people see that this teaching is not merely about forbidding the act of adultery, even if only in the mind. The goal is leading a sexually decent life before God, and – if you are married – loving your spouse well. Can you imagine a wife saying “well, he hated me, treated me with contempt, was never home, but at least he never committed adultery”? That's hardly what the command is shooting for. Of course, nor can a person say “I treat my wife with kindness and provide for her; I’ll just have an affair on the side.” The goal is to love well – married or single.

Discipleship Prayer

Father God, married or single, my goal is to love well. Married or single, my goal is to honor you with my sexuality. Lead the way, and as Jesus’ disciple, as your child, I commit to follow. Amen.

Micro-Meditation Scripture

Psalm 119:153-160 (Resh, 20th letter)

  1. Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law.
  2. Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise.
  3. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees.
  4. Your compassion, LORD, is great; preserve my life according to your laws.
  5. Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes.
  6. I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word.
  7. See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, LORD, in accordance with your love.
  8. All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God

Colossians 3:13-14

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point

Look at this: The writer, though drawing attention to his love for God’s Word, still relies on blessings coming through God’s love for him – an act of grace.