The Ten Commandments

by the Rev. Christa von Zychlin

Join Gather magazine and revive your soul in 2023 with a four-session study of the 10 commandments. ELCA pastor and Bible study author Christa von Zychlin will help us see how these commandments are more than they may appear at first glance. For example, Martin Luther taught that the commandment, “Do not kill,” means not only refraining from murder, but actively promoting the health and life of others. Get ready to explore old and new interpretations of God’s laws, using Luther’s Small and Large Catechism and more!

(January 2023) Session one: Dancing the Decalogue (Commandments 1 & 2)

Psalm 19 claims, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” Joy and romance may not be the first images that come to mind when we think of the Ten Commandments. However, a close reading of the first several commandments opens us to a fresh encounter with the God of fierce, freeing love.

(February 2023) Session two: Rhythms and respect (Commandments 3 & 4)

Some might say the Old Testament commands Remember the Sabbath and Honor Your Folks seem outdated and quaint. After all, didn’t Jesus routinely break the Sabbath? Didn’t Jesus (on occasion) talk back to his mother? Yet these commandments are far from outdated. Find out how these commands offer a source of peace and inspiration in today’s often hectic and generationally segregated society and church.

(March 2023) Session three: Sanctity of life and love (Commandments 5 & 6)

In our third session, we will review some of the major murders of the Bible. We’ll also delve into the scriptural witness to the spirituality of sex and the covenant of marriage.

(April 2023) Session four: Guardrails for love of God and neighbor (Commandments 7,8,9 & 10)

In this fourth and final session, we will consider sayings from Proverbs and other biblical wisdom related to minding our tongues, integrity in the marketplace, and practical ways to serve our neighbors.

Photo by jsp via Shutterstock.com. Used with permission.