A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Written by Martin Luther, 1483-1546

                                                                                  
The life of Martin Luther is one of the most fascinating stories in the history of Christianity. It has all the stuff of a good novel: parental conflict, spiritual agony, life-changing moments, near-misses, princes, popes, emperors, castles, kidnapping, mobs, revolution, massacres, politics, courage, controversy, disguises, daring escapes, humor and romance. And not only is it a good story, it marks a major turning point in western history and in Christianity. In one of his greatest hymns, you can hear both the difficulty of battle in the spiritual war and the clear theology of a sovereign God who reigns over all things. Read the hymn thoughtful and answer the reflective questions at the end of each stanza.

Stanza 1:

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 pow'r are great, And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Reflective questions: What is God compared to? What is He said be for you and when?

Stanza 2:

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 own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he -
Lord Sabbaoth His name, From age to age the same -
And He must win the battle.

Reflective questions: If you were left to strive or confide (trust, rely) upon our own strength to be faithful to Jesus, what is the sure outcome? But in whom does our victory lie? Praise God for Jesus.

Stanza 3:

And tho this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed, His truth to triumph thru 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.

Reflective question: What is the little word that defeats the prince of darkness? (Read Acts 4:12 for the answer)

Stanza 4:

That word above all earthly pow'rs - No thanks to them - abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Thru 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.

Reflective question: in what way can you let goods and kindred (relatives) go, as well as the things of this world to follow Jesus today?