Day by Day with Martin Luther

Read: 1st Samuel 20:1-21:15 John 9:1-41 Proverbs 15:15-17

“God’s Purpose for Parents”

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
[Psalm 127:1]

Although God would be able to rear children without parents, as He proved in the case of Adam and Eve, and still proves daily in the case of orphans, He does not wish to do it this way, but has ordained that He will do it through the parents – and with the parents. He could also rule the house without householders, and He often does do that. Yet He does not wish to do it this way but wishes to do it with the householders and through the householders, as Psalm 127:1 says: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” And so He could also maintain peace, punish the evil, protect the good with a sword and princes. Yet He does not wish to do it this way but has ordained that the princes should help Him. Therefore, all rulers are His, and should know they serve the Diviner Ruler in eternity to prove His wonderful might, wisdom, and goodness. I do not know if I see this when I walk down the street.