The Battle Hymn of the Reformation
Psalm 46:1-3, 7: 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
It has been said that whenever Martin Luther received bad news regarding the reformation, he would turn to those around him and say, “Come, let us sing Psalm 46!” The reformers wanted the congregation to sing worship songs in their own language with sing-able melodies. In the year 1415, a hundred years earlier, at the Council of Constance, two important decisions were made by the Roman Catholic Church. First, the reformer Jon Hus was condemned and sentenced to death and second, the decree; “If laymen are forbidden to interpret the Scriptures, much more are they forbidden to sing publicly in the churches.” Only the clergy were to sing. The reformation taught people to sing again. People sang about the doctrines of grace.
Martin Luther was not only a theologian but a talented musician as well. He realized the important role of music. He wrote, “Music and notes, which are wonderful gifts and creations of God, do help give a better understanding of the text, especially when sung by a congregation.” Luther wrote thirty-seven chorales for congregations to sing for worship. He is known as the Father of Evangelical Hymnody. Singing schools were held during the week to teach the congregation the melodies and how better to sing.
The source of A Mighty Fortress was Luther’s stressful and often dangerous life as leader of the reformation. Psalm 46 provides the themes of conflict producing fear, confidence, trust, and faith in God’s strong presence. Think with me how these truths were lived out by Luther. At the Diet of Worms, Luther knew he would be sentenced to death just like Jon Hus unless he recanted his teaching on justification by faith alone. “No,” he said, “Here I stand, I can do no other!” What followed was an escape and many long months of exile in the Wartburg Castle. It was there he translated the Bible into German so lay people could have a Bible of their own. More conflict and trouble and “mortal ills prevailing,” followed.
In 1527, a horrible plague took the lives of many people in Wittenburg. About that time, one-year old Hans, his only son, became desperately ill. Trouble also, even ten years after the reformation, in people returning to visit and worship relic collections.
Notice how David in Psalm 46 does not say God is “my refuge,” but God is “our refuge.” This truth is for all of God’s people for all times. If we belong to Christ, God is our help, our defense, our city of refuge. When? In times of trouble. The strength of God in Christ makes the trouble bearable as He carries us through it. His timing is perfect. That strength does not come days early but just at the moment we need His power the most. And, “if we in our own strength confide?” We lose. Instead, Luther learned to look to Jesus Christ, “The man of God’s own choosing.”
Throughout this great hymn is the theme of battle which unites the following truths. (1) The certainty of God’s presence and power in Christians and in His Church. He is a fortress, a bulwark never failing, a helper in the worst of times and Christ Jesus is our rescuer. (2) The terrible opposition we face: Our ancient foe, Satan. He is armed with cruel hate. He would undo us from faith in Christ. Think of all the attacks on Luther for 30 years following the reformation. What is that, “one little word shall fell him”? One writer says it is our calling him “liar” since he is the father of lies. (3) The confidence Christians have to confront opposition through the strength of God. Psalm 46:7 says, “The Lord Almighty is with us.” Luther adds, “the Spirit and the gifts are ours. His truth to triumph through us.” That truth that triumphs is Christ Jesus who must win the battle.
Consider now how God has been a mighty fortress to you and to our Church. Let me count the ways. (1) Mortal Ills prevailing? Not one of our fellowship became ill with the virus. (2) Our helper He amid the flood; FRPC, God willing, will begin corporate worship next Lord’s day. (3) The Spirit and the gifts are ours: Although we miss one another, our unity in Christ continues. (4) The Lord has given our church faithful elders and deacons who love the people and have done so.
Prayer:
What will we say in return for the knowledge you have already given us, for the love you have already wrought in our hearts, if we are so happy as to know your grace in truth? Even as we believe your power to out-do all that grace has already given us, to do for us exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think, we will still confide in you and call upon you. And we humbly endeavor to do our part with the whole church in ascribing to you, our Redeemer, our Sanctifier, and our Father, glory throughout the ages, world without end. Amen.
Philip Doddridge 1740