A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
As the plague of COVID-19 circulates and man does all he can to slow, stop and develop a 'cure', where does our help come from? The Psalmist says: "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." and also, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." We can know that whatever trials may come our way, God is with us!
In the mid-1330's, the bubonic plague took the lives of over 25 million people, 1/3 of Europe's population! In 1527 it resurfaced as it made its way to Wittenburg, Germany - home of Martin Luther. In a letter regarding how people should respond to this epidemic, Luther also addressed what he believed the source of all plagues and pestilence to be: "I am of the opinion that all the epidemics, like any plague, are spread among the people by evil spirits who poison the air or exhale a pestilential breath which puts a deadly poison into the flesh. He is such a bitter, knavish devil that he not only unceasingly tries to slay and kill, but also takes delight in making us deathly afraid, worried, and apprehensive so that we should regard dying as horrible.. and have no rest or peace all through our life. And so the devil would excrete us out of this life as he tries to make us despair of God become unwilling and unprepared to die and, under the stormy and dark sky of fear and anxiety make us forget and lose Christ our light and life. If it be God’s will that evil come upon us and destroy us none of our precautions will help us."
As St. Paul writes: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) As President Trump keeps saying: we are in a war. How true! Living through the Plague and meditating on Psalm 46 Luther wrote the hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God sometime between 1527-1529. If you are not familiar with the hymn, check out this wonderful version on Youtube: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Virtual Choir #4)
Luther was led to believe, as millions believe, as we need to believe, that even though we sinners cannot fix things God can and He will.. in His time.. in His way.. according to His will! Let us confess our unbelief, seek the Holy Spirit’s help to repent, and trust in God for all things.. and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord. God bless you! Be safe and... kepp washing those hands!
If you are concerned or anxious or just need someone to talk to about all of this craziness, give us a call or drop us an email, We wold love to speak with you!
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