The Right Man on our Side
A Mighty Fortress is our God, written by Martin Luther, has been our morning hymn this week as we set our sights on October 31st, the day on which Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church openly challenging the Catholic practice of selling Indulgences. This event set in motion a power struggle between the Roman Catholic Church authorities, ruling Christendom from Rome, and the growing multitude of faithful believers throughout the western world who were openly calling for, and eventually demanding, reform of church doctrine. These faithful believers read, believed, preached, and taught Scripture, and contended that the Bible was the ultimate authority, rather than the Pope and his priesthood. And it was in their preaching and teaching that they made themselves enemies of the existing Catholic hierarchy such that when Luther drafted his 95 Theses in 1517, intending for a debate with a local church representative, he was instead rejected by the church authorities as a heretic, as had been Hus and Wycliffe and many others martyred in the centuries before him for similar challenges. Martyrdom was not to be Luther’s fate, however, as the Lord used him, Calvin, Knox, Tyndale, and many of his contemporaries, to strengthen and build His Kingdom.
Scripture has proven historically to often be at odds with earthly systems of government, as it declares a Kingdom not of this world. Many have given their lives that we might have access. The Bible and it’s study are an invaluable part of the life of every Christian and the foundation of a Christian education. Today, access to God’s word and the fellowship of believers is easily taken for granted, so it is important for us to reflect on the price exacted from the many who have come before us and consider the value of the Word as we read.
Also destructive to the faith today is the ease with which we live and the sense that we can and do get by on our own. Luther’s Anthem, A Mighty Fortress is our God, is a powerful song wrought with references to the enemies that we face, the battle in which we are engaged, and the victory that is ours. The second verse begins “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing”. As you read God’s Word, take time to consider the Law. Our students have been learning Psalm 111 and the last verse says, “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commands.” Taking heed to the commands of the Lord and doing them is a necessary step in truly knowing ourselves and the chasm that exists between the holy God and His Creation. Understanding comes in seeking God and in striving to keep His commands. When we fail to do so, and we do fail, we find ourselves humbled and grateful for “The Right Man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing”, as verse 2 declares.
God sent His son into the created world that His beloved and fallen creation might be redeemed back to Himself. As He chose His Son to redeem, He also chose His people to be redeemed. This victory, won by Jesus in His death and resurrection, is ours today just as it is for all who have believed throughout the ages. This “belief”, this “understanding”, this “Fear of the Lord” and “wisdom”, is the high pursuit to which we aspire. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law.” Thanks be to God that we have His revealed Word. The restraints commanded therein are for our good, even for our happiness. His yoke is easy; His burden is light. May the saints who have gone before give you courage and inspiration as you enter October and prepare to celebrate our Reformation Day feast as a school.
Sincerely,
Ben McReynolds
