“Thou shalt not…” this is how the King James Version of the Bible translates the beginning words for seven of the ten commandments (and appearing ten times in the translation). This stylized language has an enduring quality, and I suspect when asked to recite a commandment or more, many would begin with these same words. I’m also fairly certain that the tablets Charlton Heston carried down his soundstage mountain were first inscribed in the KJV.
The gravitas of “thou shalt not…” certainly makes an effective impression on the listener for a set of rules like this. That the commandments are mostly a list of things not to do, many think of them as primarily prohibitions. But Martin Luther thought differently about them. His small catechism is evidence of this.
Find Luther’s Small Catechism here:
If you read Luther’s explanations to each commandment closely, you’ll discover an important pattern. Luther starts with the command, often a prohibition, and goes further, stating “but instead…” Yes, the commandments detail many things not to do, but the faithful response is to also recognize the invitation of what we should do.
For example, let’s consider the 5th commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.” (Ex. 20:13, KJV) And here’s Luther’s explanation:
“What is this? 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.”
When we consider the “law” as detailed in scripture, I appreciate taking Luther’s path, not stopping at the prohibition, as if it’s just a box to be checked. Stopping short, because I didn’t kill anyone today, I might think I’ve done enough to keep the law and fulfill God’s vision. But considering Luther, I might also wonder how I worked to be a source of assistance in my neighbor’s lives too. I haven’t taken any lives but how have I endeavored to make other’s lives flourish?
“But instead…” is a helpful tool for looking more deeply into this life we’re called to live. I invite you to wonder with me today about the times we seem satisfied adhering to the law’s prohibitions but don’t take the harder steps to consider the other side of the coin. And then, more than a thought exercise, let’s look for ways to act in response to the vision God sets before us.
Let us pray [as Luther suggests in his catechism]…
In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the sign of the holy cross and say: “God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
[Luther continues…]
“After singing a hymn perhaps (for example, one on the Ten Commandments) or whatever else may serve your devotion, you are to go to your work joyfully.”
Be joyful today Prince of Peace. -Pastor Peter