|  Dr.
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Following the
great spiritual conflict at the imperial diet
at Worms between Martin Luther and his accusers
(1521), the Roman Catholic Church issued a Papal
Bull for Luther's excommunication. Not only
was Luther's soul threatened, but also his physical
life. A supportive German Prince, Frederick
of Saxony, providentially arranged for his "kidnapping"
from the Roman Catholic authorities. Heavily-armed
knights, loyal to Frederick, disguised themselves
as common thieves and captured Luther, whisking
him off to a castle high in the mountains of
Thuringia. For almost a year he lay hidden in
"The Wartburg" under the false name "George
the Knight". During this time he grew a beard
and carried a large sword to complete the disguise.
Although the Reformation went on without him,
he did not fall into a period of melancholy
and apathy. Instead, he used his time of concealment
well, translating the entire New Testament into
the German vernacular (1522). He also began
work on a translation of the Old Testament which
he completed later (1534).
Moreover, during this time
of forced detainment he wrote many stirring
hymns of which "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
is the best known. When you consider the promises
of Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength",
and how Luther was safely hidden in the Wartburg,
then it is easy to understand his powerful
lyrics:
A
Mighty Fortress Is Our God
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never
failing;
our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills
prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work
us woe;
his craft and power are great; and armed with
cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving
would be losing;
were not the right man on our side, the man
of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is
he,
Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should
threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed His truth
to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not
for him;
his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is
sure;
one little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks
to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours through him
who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill; God's truth abideth
still;
his kingdom is forever.
May God Encourage You in the On-going Battle
for Truth,
Rev. Marcus J. Serven, Th.M.
Lyrics from A Mighty Fortress: Trinity
Hymnal (rev. edit.), Atlanta, GA: Great Commission
Publications, 1990.
Copyright November 2005. Rev. Marcus Serven, Th. M.
Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.
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