Reformation Reflection

Reformation Sunday is one of my favorite services of the year.  This year's service did not disappoint.  Not only was I installed into my Special Education position today, but the music was wonderful.  I love the hymns we sing with the descant of the trumpet.  I also love that our church emphasizes that the purpose of reformation was to direct the people of Martin Luther's time back to Christ.  Christ is the only one who can save us from our sin.  We are thankful that God used Martin Luther to deliver His message, but Reformation is not a day to celebrate one man.  We can however, acknowledge and appreciate that the Holy Spirit was at work within Luther and that his message was the gospel.  We are saved by GRACE through FAITH.  
I absolutely love the words to A Mighty Fortress.  It is hard for me to sing the last verse.  I get choked up every time.  When everything gets stripped away from us, we still have God's grace and that is all that we need.  Someone asked me recently how I could keep my faith in light of the trials I've been through.  I answered that it's when we are knocking on the door of heaven, asking for answers, that God meets us.  How else could we get through challenges in life without the peace of God's grace?  Life is very hard and sometimes almost unbearable.  The devil is real and is at work (especially among Christians).  He attacks us where we are vulnerable.  BUT, nothing happens to us without passing through our Father's hands first.  How encouraging that one little word (the name of Christ) can fell him - the victory has already been won!

"A Mighty Fortress is Our God"
by Dr. Martin Luther, 1483-1546

1. A mighty Fortress is our God,
A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from every need
That hath us now o'ertaken.
The old evil Foe
Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
On Earth is not his equal.

2. With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the Valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this?
Jesus Christ it is.
Of Sabaoth Lord,
And there's none other God;
He holds the field forever.

3. Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us.
We tremble not, we fear no ill,
They shall not overpower us.
This world's prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none,
He's judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.

4. The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it;
He's by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life,
Goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone,
They yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth.