God’s commandments: orientation for human beings

In the month of October, the theme series for New Apostolic divine services revolves around the Ten Commandments and that which follows from them for humanity. The Decalogue (from the Greek, meaning “ten words”) is age old, but at the same time, still highly relevant. The prescriptions of God to mankind in direct speech are not to be found anywhere else, as God usually only speaks to human beings by way of His messengers. Here He speaks directly and personally. In terms of content, theology, and ethics, these commandments play an immense role both in Judaism and among Christians. They have endured over the millennia and have influenced the cultural history of humanity. With the arrival of the Son of God, these words of God suddenly take on a human face. This Jesus Christ is the “Logos”, He is the “Word of God” in person: as true Man and true God He subjected Himself to the commandments, while at the same time also interpreting them. His new interpretation states that even if human beings do not accept the instructions of God—or violate them—there is still a chance to make things right again. Redemption and salvation are counter-offers to ruin and punishment.

You must — you shall — you shall not — woe to you if …

Commandments always have a side effect for human beings: actually, everyone concedes that they need to exist, but on the other hand, they always convey an uncomfortable feeling of narrowness and constraint. After all, who is happy to be told what to do? And yet, the world would not be able to function without rules. Already as babies, brand new to the world, rules were present in our lives—and they will continue to be present in our lives all the way to the most advanced age. There are civil laws, criminal laws, traffic laws, house rules, communication rules, rules for monetary commerce, and rules for purchasing—there are even unwritten rules!

I am …

The First Commandment is the only commandment that appears in the first person. Here God introduces Himself to mankind: “I am the Lord, your God. You shall have no other gods before Me.” So far, so good. All is clear. The listener will understand this instruction right off the bat. At the time, in the desert, the people were supposed to orient themselves to the one—monotheistic—God. But this has since been expanded—after all, there are many other gods (idols) that make offers to us today! Today more than ever, in fact! They seek to separate us from the true God. The old distrust of mankind in this one God is still quite active and has by no means been overcome! However, we are to cling only to this one God, and glorify—and trust in—Him alone. So we are told, not only by this commandment, but also by our faith. The latter tells the individual, “Turn away from superstition, overcome your doubts, and take Him into your life and thinking!” There can only be one who holds the reins of your life in His hand, namely God, your Lord and Father in heaven!

Remember the Sabbath day …

Even the Third Commandment remains as relevant as ever: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” For Christians, this means keeping the Sunday holy. We keep it holy by worshipping God in divine service, experiencing fellowship with Jesus Christ in word and sacrament, and professing the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. In our Catechism we read: “By attending the divine service, believers show their gratitude for Jesus’ acts of salvation. This also brings to expression their longing for God’s word and the sacrament” (CNAC 5.3.4.5). Those who are unable to attend services for professional—or other—reasons seek a connection to God and the congregation. God draws near to them and grants them peace, comfort, and strength.

“You shall not steal”—this is a divine instruction that is often discussed, particularly in our time. Some are fond of debating the subject of quantities rather than quality. Yet it is not the quantity of stolen goods that makes us thieves, but rather the act of stealing in itself. Those who love Christ and orient themselves by the kingdom of God do not “steal”—that is to say, they do not take anything from their neighbour, but rather seek to “multiply” his wellbeing. They will even seek to promote the faith of their neighbour and help him to likewise prepare for the return of Christ.

Preparation for the service for the departed

On the last Sunday of October, the congregations will prepare themselves for the service for the departed, which is scheduled to take place on the first Sunday in November. On that occasion the congregation will celebrate their close bond with the departed in the gospel of the Lord. This time, all congregations in Europe will be served with a Bible passage from John 16: 22: “…and your heart will rejoice”.