Lutheran Seminary ~ Moved By The Promise ~ God Pause ~ Saturday, 26 October 2013 ~ “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" ELW 504
What a great hymn! Some quip that its stirring words and powerful music might be the theme song for Lutherans.
I must admit that it does move me. Though some of the language seems better suited to medieval times, yet its clear sentiment rings true: life can be uncertain and overwhelming.
We can turn to God for refuge and for ultimate protection. God created all that was and is just by saying the words. If the words of God are so powerful and effective at creating life, so the word of God is just as powerful when facing the troubles and trials of this life.
Just "one little word subdues" all the powers that flail against this life, Martin Luther wrote in the third verse. That "one little word," of course, is Jesus. Through Jesus on the cross, God says "yes" to life. Here, in Jesus the Word, is refuge and balm, strength and courage.
I must admit that it does move me. Though some of the language seems better suited to medieval times, yet its clear sentiment rings true: life can be uncertain and overwhelming.
We can turn to God for refuge and for ultimate protection. God created all that was and is just by saying the words. If the words of God are so powerful and effective at creating life, so the word of God is just as powerful when facing the troubles and trials of this life.
Just "one little word subdues" all the powers that flail against this life, Martin Luther wrote in the third verse. That "one little word," of course, is Jesus. Through Jesus on the cross, God says "yes" to life. Here, in Jesus the Word, is refuge and balm, strength and courage.
Lord God, Heavenly Father, thank you for being our mighty fortress against all that terrifies us. Help me to cling to your word of promise. Amen.
Brian Mundt
Interim Pastor, Cross of Hope Lutheran Church, Ramsey, Minn.
Interim Pastor, Cross of Hope Lutheran Church, Ramsey, Minn.
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” (Martin Luther Translated by Frederick H. Hedge)
1. A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevaling.
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours,
thru 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.
~~~~~~~
2481 Como Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108 UNITED STATES
651-641-3456
~~~~~~~
No comments:
Post a Comment