A MIGHTY FORTRESS!

Yes, it's Monday -- but it is also November 2, 2020 -- the day before a very critical National Election which  I think all the world will be watching quite closely!  So before your stomach gets completely tied up in knots this morning, spend a few moments in the 46th Psalm which reminds us in the very first verse --"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  Then get out your hymnal, and read again the words of the majestic hymn written so many years ago by Martin Luther -- "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."

"We think of Martin Luther as a great reformer, Bible translator, political leader, fiery preacher and theologian!  But he was also a musician!  Martin grew up listening to his Mother sing.  He joined a boys choir that sang at weddings and funerals, and his volcanic emotions often erupted in song!              When the Protestant Reformation began, Luther determined to restore worship to the German Church.  He helped revive congregational singing and wrote a number of hymns.

Luther once wrote -- 'Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.  It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits.  A person who does not regard music as a marvelous creation of God does not deserve to be called a human being; he should be permitted to hear nothing but the braying of donkeys and the grunting of hogs.'   This song, 'A Mighty Fortress', reflects his awareness of our intense struggle with Satan.  In difficulty and danger, Luther would often resort to this song".  I trust it will be a blessing to your heart today!

"A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;                                                                                 Our helper, He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.                                                                              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.

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 on choosing.                                                            Dost ask who that may be?  Christ Jesus, it is He;                                                                                        Lord Sabaoth is His name, from age to age the same, and He must win the battle.

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!                                 

That word above all earthly powers---no thanks to them---abideth:                                                            The Spirit and the gifts are ours through 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!"

Yes, on this pre-election day, "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."                                                                                                                                                  (Psalm 46:11)