Sola Devotions

The Small Catechism – part 15

Scripture Text: John 6:53–56

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John 6:53–56

From the Confessions: The Small Catechism 

Those who do not highly value the Sacrament are implying they have no sin, no flesh, no devil, no world, no death, no danger, no hell. That is, they do not really believe in such things—though being in them over head and shoulders by being the devil’s own twice-over. Yet, they insinuate that they need no grace, life, paradise, heaven, Christ, God, nor anything good. For if they believed they suffered so much that is evil, and needed so much that is good, they would not neglect the Sacrament by which these evils are remedied and so much good is bestowed. No laws are necessary to force believers to the Sacrament; they will come running, racing of their own accord, forcing themselves and urging you to administer the Sacrament.

Pulling It Together: We have no life in ourselves. Nevertheless, our old, inborn natures want to keep trying to live. Though drowned and buried with Christ in baptism (Rom 6:4), we must be reassured of our death and burial since the old nature so expertly plays the part of a zombie, each day trying to claw its way out of the grave. Christ revives and cures that dead man walking with the true medicine of his body and blood. This is the blessing of grace and renewed life that comes from God as we eat his holy supper—a meal we must receive often, indeed as soon as possible after noticing the dirt is under our fingernails once again.

Prayer: Sustain me, O Lord, through your own death and resurrection. Amen.

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Author

Mark Ryman

Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.