November 10, 2008

• A Mighty Fortress

  Fear filled hearts throughout Christian Europe. The Ottoman Turks were on the march, inspired by an aggressive religion. Their goal: to make Europe an Islamic continent. They already had conquered much of Eastern Europe, besieged Vienna, and caused havoc throughout the Mediterranean. Author Roger Crowley notes that “everywhere the threat of Islam seemed to press.”

  Furthermore, Christians were divided. Many leaders were obsessed with politics and power struggles. France even agreed to an alliance with the Ottomans and seemed more concerned about the Holy Roman Empire. Many Catholic leaders were focused on the perceived threats of Martin Luther, who had begun what would be called the Reformation.

  Luther, who was born on this day in 1483, had many challenges. Though focused on the Biblical insights God had given him, he also knew the Muslim threat was real. In 1530, he wrote “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” which became a central hymn of the Christian faith. Among its inspirations, Crowley suggests that the “central metaphor” may have dealt with the Muslim threat.

  Yes, as Luther wrote, God is our “mighty fortress.” We face an “ancient foe” who seeks to work us woe. “His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.” But, as Luther realized, Jesus is “on our side…from age to age the same, and He must win the battle.”

  • 10:52 am
  • 6 Comments