Walking in the Lord’s ways

How often have you heard the phrase, “If you’re going to talk the talk, walk the walk”? This Sunday is Father’s Day, and for those of us who are dads, it may be a day not only to celebrate with family, but also to reflect on how we’re doing as dads. I’ll be the first to admit that my parenting has at times been less than stellar. For instance, once when my children were much younger and not doing what I wanted them to do, I, in exasperation, said, “I can’t be a Pastor anymore,” and then proceeded to quote 1 Timothy 3:4-5, “[A Pastor] must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)” Despite my failures as a dad, I am so proud of my kids and sons-in-law and pray that what they always see in me is someone who strives to not only talk about the Lord, but also walk in His ways.

So how does one know if he or she is walking in the Lord’s ways? Last weekend’s message focused on how the Scriptures contain two main teachings that our Lord wants us to know: Law and Gospel. The Law shows us God’s design and what He requires of us (and thus also acts like a mirror which shows us our sin). The Gospel shows us what God has done for us and how we are saved through faith in our Lord Jesus, not based on what we do for God (which would never be enough). This weekend, we’ll focus on another teaching that has been called “The Third Use of the Law.” This is the teaching of Scripture which answers the question, “How do You want me to live? Where do You want me to walk so I am not trespassing and going where You don’t want me to go?”

In this weekend’s reading from Exodus 19, the people of Israel declared at Mt. Sinai, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” We know from their history that their walk didn’t always go with their talk. We know ours doesn’t always either. What a gracious God who continues to walk with us in love and mercy.

Create in me a new heart, Lord, That gladly I obey Your Word. Let what You will be my desire, And with new life my soul inspire.

Lutheran Service Book #704, v. 3