God is Our Fortress

“A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; Our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing ...” so Martin Luther began his majestic hymn affirming God’s help in all times, in all kinds of trouble.

At any mention of famed German reformer, Martin Luther the thoughts of believers rightly pivot to Oct 30, 1517, when Martin Luther posted his historic Ninety-five thesis on a door of the Wittenberg Castle, “All Saints Church”. Martin Luther was a comparatively young (34 years old) recently ordained Roman Catholic priest when that happened. He was not a novice but a professor of Theology at Wittenberg University.

With Europe in political upheaval, the Black plague decimating Germany, the death of his son and being at odds with the established church, and personal discouragement, we are told that Luther often turned to his friend Philipp Melancthon asking him to sing this Psalm with him.

After relative stability and moderate population growth, 1/2 of Europe died as a result of:

Great Famine - 1315-1317

Black Death - 1347-1351

Mediaeval Warm Period followed by Little Ice Age

Not until 1500 did populations begin to rebound only to impacted by Wars that impact all of Europe - War of Roses, 100 years war - England & France.

With various things around him in turmoil, Martin Luther took comfort and strength in the word of Gospel. Although much that he had counted on as secure and settled, were no longer stable and at times labelled him as a rebel and heretic because asked questions about:

Salvation

How sins were forgiven

Church/state alliances

Warring factions within and without - especially when killing of perceived enemies was not confined to the battle. Disagreement with the established church was seen just as treasonous as any other perceived act of treason and breach of trust.

Whom to trust when there was disagreement between the Scripture record and what the church added or taught.

It was in this context that Martin Luther and others like him came to true faith alone, in Christ alone, by God’s grace alone, relying on the Scriptures alone were saved. To God alone be the glory.

Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Sola Scriptura, Soli Deo Gloria.

While the Book of Romans shaped Luther’s theology, Steve Lawson rightly noted, “It was Israel’s ancient hymn book, the Psalms, that gave Luther his thunder.” May it be so for us!

God is our refuge and fortress and fortress even when:

Most of us do not enjoy unrest and turmoil, especially when the unrest and trouble seems totally overwhelming.

Nature is unstable - 46:1-3

God is our refuge & strength, our present help though:

Earth & mountains move/give way

Waters/seas roar/foam

2. Nations are unstable - 46:4-7

God in His city does not move when:

Nations/kingdoms rage/totter

Earth melts

Know the LORD our refuge -46:8-11

Come, behold the works of the LORD! - 46:8-9

Brought desolations

Makes wars cease

Hear God speak - 46:10-11; Ex 14:13; Is 2:11, 17; 33:10

Be still and know that I am God

I will be exalted among nations/in the earth

We hear God speak - collective responses of those who believe - 46:11

The Lord of hosts is with us.

The God of Jacob is our fortress/refuge/strength