Heavenly Father, cause us to be diligent in Your Word that we would know Your ways and walk in them following Your commandments, statutes, and ordinances. Grant that we would resist the devil, flee immorality, and mortify sin in our flesh. By Your grace grant that we would walk in all holiness before You. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Daniel B. Towner

Words: Julia H. Johnston, in Hymns Tried and True (Chicago, Illinois: The Bible Institute Colportage Association, 1911), number 2. Music: Daniel B. Towner, 1910.

GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN
Click here for tune.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Refrain

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Refrain

Thought Provoker

Have you ever been in a situation where you knowingly sinned by promising to do something you know you should not have and then later realized that to follow through on the promise would be a sin? What should you do? To keep your promise would be sinful, but wouldn’t it also be sinful to break your promise? See in the example of Israel in Ezra 10 how there is no sin in repentance that bears fruit.

Dad’s Study

Immediately upon Ezra’s arrival in chapter 9 he is informed of the sin of the people regarding inter-marriage with the nations around them. This was a clearly established law in Israel dating back to when Abraham sought a wife for Isaac in Genesis 24:3 and was handed down by God as part of the Mosaic law in Deuteronomy 7:3. God commanded they be separate so that by inter-marriage the Israelites would not be led astray to follow after the false gods of the surrounding nations. This was a serious sin that seems to have been committed by many of the Israelites, including priests and Levites, who were in the first generation after the return. Verse 18 lists the sons of Jeshua as those who inter-married. Jeshua was one of those who returned to the land in the first return with Zerubbabel. Approximately 80 years later we see the first generation to be born in the land has returned to the sins of their fathers. It is even worse that it was the priests and Levites who were unequally yoked with idolaters becaus Ezra goes into mourning, confessing the sins of Israel before God. He sees the danger of God’s judgment coming on the nation again. While praying, a large assembly gathered to Ezra, those who also were grieved by this great sin. It was proposed that all those who repented of this sin should show forth fruits of that repentance by obedience. Thus it was determined that each mixed marriage would be examined and the Israelite men would put away, or divorce, their wives. Each marriage was investigated by the heads of fathers’ households. Interestingly, this chapter does not tell us the final disposition of these marriages. It is said that it was to be done according to the law (verse 3), they were called to separate themselves from “foreign” wives (verse 11) and there is a list of those who had married foreign wives. Some commentators presume that the purpose of the investigation was to determine if the wife had become a believer in the God of Israel. If so, she was no longer considered a “foreign” wife.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

This passage should not be considered normative regarding divorce. This was a proper application of the Mosaic law to Israelites. Matthew Henry said this, As to being unequally yoked with unbelievers, such marriages, it is certain, are sinful, and ought not to be made; but now they are not null, as they were before the gospel did away the separation between Jews and Gentiles. There is now no distinction amongst Jew and Gentile in such ways. Scripture is clear, we are to be equally yoked with believers in marriage (2 Cor. 6:14), and to intentionally do otherwise is a sin, however, God’s view of divorce has not changed any, He still hates it (Malachi 2:16). Scripture now commands the believer who finds themselves unequally yoked, either by virtue of their own sinful disobedience, or by virtue of having come to Christ after marriage; to stay married so as to be a sanctifying influence for their unbelieving mate and children (1 Cor. 7:14).

Catechism

Question 54

Q. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?

A. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is, a promise of long life and prosperity — as far as it shall serve for God’s glory, and their own good — to all such as keep this commandment (Eph. 6:2,3).

Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table (Psalm 128:1-3).

Today’s Hymn

John Roberts

Words: 14th Century Bohemian Latin carol (Surrexit Christus hodie). The first translation appeared in Lyra Davidica, or a Collection of Divine Songs and Hymns (John Walsh: 1708). Stanzas 1-3 took their current form in The Compleat Psalmist, by John Arnold (London: 1749). Stanza 4 is by Charles Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1740, alt. Harmony to the music was written by John Roberts in 1837.

JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY
Click here for tune.

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation hath procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia!
Praise Him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!

Thought Provoker

The Apostle Paul commands believers not to become unequally yoked (2 Cor. 6:14). The picture is of two animals pulling a plow. A yoke is a wooden frame that fits around the neck of both animals so that they can pull the plow as if they were one. The law commands that a farmer is not to yoke together an oxen and a donkey (Deut. 22:10). What’s the problem?. Different animals have different strides, dispositions, and sizes that make is nearly impossible for them to work together as one. One is faster and is worn out by pulling along the slower. Different sizes result in painful chaffing by the wooden yoke. Rather than working together they work against each others. From the language of the farm we learn that Christians are not to be unequally yoked. This is especially true when it comes to marriage. A Christian is not to marry a non-Christian. Rather than walking through life together as one, they work against each other towards their spiritual ruin. In today’s passage we learn of how serious it is to break the law of God.

Dad’s Study

Today we read that the Princes and the people of Israel disobeyed God and took for themselves daughters of pagan lands (vs. 1-2). Why is it that God commands His people to marry within their faith (Deut. 7:3)? Because it is God’s will that purity of the faith be maintained. Those who marry outside their faith are tempted, like Solomon, to allow pagan practices to invade true religion. Also, there is the danger of idolatrous spouses leading their spouse and children away from the Lord altogether. That’s why Ezra was shocked when he heard this bad news. Ezra tore his clothes and pulled out the hair on his head and face (vs.3). Ezra so identified with the people that their sins drove him to his knees and he spread out his hands in humble confession to God (vs. 5-15). As we are going to see in the next chapter, God’s forgiveness does not shield us from the consequences of our sins. A commission was set up to judge each marriage. If they determined that a marriage was a “mixed marriage” the wife was repudiated along with their children (Ezra 10:16-19). The pain must have been enormous as families were shattered, never to be seen again. God designed marriage to be the joining together of two, to become one flesh. You cannot walk as one if you are unequally yoked. Children are one of God’s marriage blessings. What a spiritual tragedy to bring children into a world where they might be eternally lead away from the true God and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Christian young people, heed God’s word, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” This begins with an early commitment not to even date or court unbelievers. Many believers’ hearts were emotionally snagged through what they thought to be an “innocent” date. Remember, this is one of those temptations that Satan uses to snare the older single believer. Discouraged by singleness, it is easy to stop waiting on the Lord and take things in your own hands. Trust in the Lord to bring you a spiritually mature mate in His time. In the meantime, be sure you are becoming that spiritually mature person. Also, leave open the possibility that God might be gracing you with the gift of singleness (1 Cor. 7:8).

Catechism

Question 53

Q. What is required in the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honour, and performing the duties belonging to every one in their various positions and relationships as superiors (Eph. 5:21,22 6:1,5; Rom. 13:1), inferiors (Eph. 6:9), or equals (Rom. 12:10).

Catechism

Question 2

Q. What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify him?

A. The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments (Eph. 2:20; 2 Tim. 3:16) is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify God and enjoy him (1 John 1:3).

Father, not my will be done but thy will be done. Help me not to think too highly of myself at the expense of others, or even worse, leading to a disregard of You. When I am in the valley of life, may I be quick to see Your hand in my situation and look to You for my sustenance and direction. And when I can once again see from atop the mountain, may I continually glory in Your goodness. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

John Roberts

Words: 14th Century Bohemian Latin carol (Surrexit Christus hodie). The first translation appeared in Lyra Davidica, or a Collection of Divine Songs and Hymns (John Walsh: 1708). Stanzas 1-3 took their current form in The Compleat Psalmist, by John Arnold (London: 1749). Stanza 4 is by Charles Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1740, alt. Harmony to the music was written by John Roberts in 1837.

JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY
Click here for tune.

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation hath procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia!
Praise Him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!

Thought Provoker

The student receives an “A” on her calculus test. The baseball player makes a game-saving catch. The CEO turns the struggling company into a profit-maker. The pianist hits all the right notes and wins first place in the contest. It’s easy, in the midst of accomplishments, to pat ourselves on the back and bask in the accolades. What’s not so easy is to direct the praise and glory to the One who truly deserves it – our Lord! We see a wonderful example of this “not-so-easy” response in our passage today.

Dad’s Study

In Ezra 8, a lengthy list of former exiles is chronicled as the second wave of God’s people return to their land, led by Ezra (the first return was led by Zerubbabel in chapters 1-6). After the detailing of this caravan in 8:1-14, a focusing on servants for the temple is highlighted, followed by a cataloguing of the gifts for the temple, which concludes this chapter. Great excitement and anticipation fill the air. Yet in the midst of this long-awaited return from exile in Babylon in Ezra 8, and even before it, the writer points the reader’s attention to a higher source, to the One far above the travelers to Jerusalem. “For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him” (7:9). Not lost in the return from exile is the One who remains at the helm, “And I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me” (7:28).

This same emphasis upon the One truly in control also weaves itself through Ezra 8, “And by the good hand of our God upon us” (8:18). Note also 8:31, “Then we departed … and the hand of our God was upon us.” As Ezra leads the Israelites’ return to Jerusalem, he does not allow the people or us to forget Who is truly gracing the way back to the home city. Though danger lurks around the twists and bends in this multi-month journey of anticipation, God’s hand is upon them, a hand Isaiah describes as “not shortened (so that) it cannot save” (59:1). Though our God, who is spirit, has no hands, He allows the writers of Scripture to attach Him with these limbs. Using such anthropomorphic terms allows us to somehow comprehend the incomprehensible, to focus on His sovereign strength and consummate counsel and not so quickly our meager might and porous plans. But His hand is also an object lesson to the unbeliever.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

His hand does not nullify or excuse our hand. He will do what only He can do, while we must do what we can do. Ezra and the people model this in 8:21 as a fast is proclaimed in order for the people to seek God’s direction in their journey. 8:23 informs us that the people then fasted and sought God – “and he was entreated of us.” Yet even in this brief response of the Israelites in 8:21 and 8:23, there flows on the scene sandwiched between these two verses God’s action: “The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him” (8:22).

Never lose sight of the hand of God, which is never slack and weak. Dads, ask your family these questions to further their understanding of today’s study.

1. What accomplishments has your family experienced in recent months? Can you see the hand of God in each of these accomplishments? Where?
2. Is it sinful to be proud of an accomplishment? When does it move into the realm of sinful pride? Consider Proverbs 16:18.
3. How should we respond to any accomplishment in our lives? Consider 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17.

Pastor Jim Stevanus

Catechism

Question 53

Q. What is required in the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honour, and performing the duties belonging to every one in their various positions and relationships as superiors (Eph. 5:21,22 6:1,5; Rom. 13:1), inferiors (Eph. 6:9), or equals (Rom. 12:10).

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to reverence You in our hearts; deepen our awe before You and our heart confidence in You and in Your Word. Defeat in us all doubt as to the reliability of the Scriptures or as to Your own trustworthiness. Use the passage before us to accomplish these things in us. Thank You for the free mercy that You heap upon us. Through the merits of Christ we pray. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

John Roberts

Words: 14th Century Bohemian Latin carol (Surrexit Christus hodie). The first translation appeared in Lyra Davidica, or a Collection of Divine Songs and Hymns (John Walsh: 1708). Stanzas 1-3 took their current form in The Compleat Psalmist, by John Arnold (London: 1749). Stanza 4 is by Charles Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1740, alt. Harmony to the music was written by John Roberts in 1837.

JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY
Click here for tune.

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation hath procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia!
Praise Him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!

Thought Provoker

How do we demonstrate to skeptics that the Bible is indeed the Word of God and not the word of mere men, as they suppose? How do we support our own confidence in the Bible against the temptation to be suspicious and unbelieving? How does Ezra 1 help us with this?

Dad’s Study

Ezra 1:1 explicitly declares that the things being recorded occurred in order that the Word of God spoken by Jeremiah the prophet would be fulfilled. God will never permit His Word to fall to the ground unfulfilled. The account before us has to do with the movement of empires in order that Scripture might be fulfilled. A pagan king was caused to make decisions and issue decrees so that God’s prophecies would come to pass. What greater attestation to the character of Scripture could we ask but that prophecies made decades, even centuries, before would be brought to pass in minute detail! Who can declare the end from the beginning, but God?

Use this reality to make deep impressions upon your children’s hearts concerning the supernatural and divine nature of Holy Scripture. Few things are so important to their souls than to have a well-grounded confidence in the Bible. But, then, that is not just their need-it is ours as well.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Isaiah 44:28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

How great is our God! A century and a half before Cyrus entered upon the scene God is calling him by name and declaring his role in rebuilding the temple. The Babylonian Empire was one of the greatest the world has ever known, as was that of the Medes and Persians over which Cyrus ruled. God raised these mighty kingdoms up in order to accomplish His purposes with reference to His chosen people Israel. Truly the kingdoms of the nations are as but the fine dust on the balance to our God. He raises up nations and puts them down as seems good to Him. He directs the hearts of the great ones in the earth as He directs the streams of water.

Why should we think it a hard thing for God to answer the prayers we bring Him through Christ? Why would we imagine that any need we have is taxing to this God?

Let us feed our faith upon the great earth altering acts of our Father in the history of the world. Then let us recognize, this is the One Who has reconciled me to Himself in Christ. This awesome God has adopted me as his child. This God invites me to come to Him boldly in prayer confident that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him diligently. Let us seek with the full persuasion that we will be answered and that our needs will be supplied.

Catechism

Question 53

Q. What is required in the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honour, and performing the duties belonging to every one in their various positions and relationships as superiors (Eph. 5:21,22 6:1,5; Rom. 13:1), inferiors (Eph. 6:9), or equals (Rom. 12:10).

Sovereign Lord, we bow before you as King over all creation. We thank you for those rulers you have placed over our lives. We humbly ask that you would use them to promote Your rule of righteousness. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

John Roberts

Words: 14th Century Bohemian Latin carol (Surrexit Christus hodie). The first translation appeared in Lyra Davidica, or a Collection of Divine Songs and Hymns (John Walsh: 1708). Stanzas 1-3 took their current form in The Compleat Psalmist, by John Arnold (London: 1749). Stanza 4 is by Charles Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1740, alt. Harmony to the music was written by John Roberts in 1837.

JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY
Click here for tune.

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation hath procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia!
Praise Him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!

Thought Provoker

It was while our family was on vacation in our nation’s capital that I read the headlines, “Court Strikes Down Pledge!” I was shocked to read that it was now unconstitutional for school children to recite the pledge of allegiance with the phrase, “one nation under God.” How far America has slid from her once strong dependence on a sovereign God to her current failure to acknowledge that we are underneath anyone greater than ourselves. Our family couldn’t help but notice the ancient inscriptions on the great public buildings that gave testimony to God’s grace and sovereign rule. It was in the rotunda of our nation’s capital that we read on an engraved copy of the Declaration of Independence, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor”. Blessed is the nation whose leaders place themselves under the God of the Bible.

Dad’s Study

This chapter opens with a search to see if there existed any decree of Cyrus authorizing the building of the temple at Jerusalem. The search was made and the decree was found. As you read this chapter it may be broken into four sections:

1. A recital of the decree of Cyrus for the building of the temple (v. 1-5).
2. The ratification of that decree by Darius (v. 6-12).
3. The finishing of it thereupon (v. 13-15).
4. The dedication of the temple upon completion (v. 16-18),

Amidst the many truths that fill this chapter, let’s pay close attention to verse 10 where Darius decrees that sacrifices be properly offered by the priests and that they might pray for the life of the king and his sons (v. 10). Darius knew that the Jews were a praying people and that their God not only delighted in hearing but also answering their prayers. I am sure he was being pragmatic. Darius thought, if he was good to God’s people and God’s people prayed for him, perhaps their God would bless him in his rule. Little did Darius know that his decree was a Biblical decree. It is God’s will that His people pray for the rulers that He has placed over them. Paul reminds Timothy that prayers be made for all men especially, For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour (1 Tim. 2:2-3).

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

It saddens the heart of every true Christian to see his nation’s leaders turn their backs increasingly from God. What are we to do when our judges and political leaders no longer acknowledge God’s grace and sovereign rule? Pray for them! Does your family regularly pray for those whom God has placed in authority over you? Discuss together some of the pressing needs facing your local and national government. Unite your family to pray together for rulers and those in authority. May God richly bless your land with a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Catechism

Question 53

Q. What is required in the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honour, and performing the duties belonging to every one in their various positions and relationships as superiors (Eph. 5:21,22 6:1,5; Rom. 13:1), inferiors (Eph. 6:9), or equals (Rom. 12:10).

Gracious Father, call us to be obedient in our service to you by your Spirit through your word. Equip us for the task, encourage us on the way and grant us peace of mind as we humbly walk before you depending on your measure of grace to us each day. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

John Roberts

Words: 14th Century Bohemian Latin carol (Surrexit Christus hodie). The first translation appeared in Lyra Davidica, or a Collection of Divine Songs and Hymns (John Walsh: 1708). Stanzas 1-3 took their current form in The Compleat Psalmist, by John Arnold (London: 1749). Stanza 4 is by Charles Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1740, alt. Harmony to the music was written by John Roberts in 1837.

JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY
Click here for tune.

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation hath procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia!
Praise Him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!

Thought Provoker

I was recently discussing a situation with a young man in our church who was wrestling with a difficult decision regarding employment and relocation. He had changed his mind several times in this decision before coming to the conclusion that he needed to stay where he was because this was where God was blessing him spiritually with growth and providing sure employment for him. He confessed that the real appeal of relocating was not that it was God’s will in his life, but that it would be “fun”. In our discussion he remarked that the Christian life, even though it does have hardship and trial, is easier when we are obeying God because it is accompanied by peace. Examine the example of peace of mind exhibited by the Jews as they walk in obedience to God’s command in Ezra 5, even in the face of opposition.

Dad’s Study

The construction of the temple had been stopped for almost 15 years, until two prophets arose and encouraged the Jews to continue the construction. These two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, are the authors of two Old Testament books by the same names. The Jews had stopped construction after Artaxerxes had been convinced by the deceitful words of the opponents of the Jews to order a halt. However, it is better to obey God and not men and when the prophets bring the command of the Lord to Zerubbabel and Jeshua, they obey and resume construction. This time when their opponents try to discourage them by interrogating them regarding the construction they respond with a meek spirit, answering the questions, but they continue to work until the matter goes to the King. Trusting in God, through His word revealed by the prophets, they persevere in faith obediently serving God. During this time they are strengthened by the continued encouragement of the men of God who remain with them and steadfastly support them

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Like the Jews we need to be diligent about doing the Lord’s work, even in the face of opposition. Matthew Henry made the following application of this truth: “While employed in God’s work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good.. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly understand, and then readily declare, what we do in God’s service, and why we do it.” Let us be found to be faithful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ who are obediently and diligently tending to our duty of service when our Master returns.

Catechism

Question 53

Q. What is required in the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honour, and performing the duties belonging to every one in their various positions and relationships as superiors (Eph. 5:21,22 6:1,5; Rom. 13:1), inferiors (Eph. 6:9), or equals (Rom. 12:10).