Today marks the “heavenly birthday” of Martin Luther. He died in Eisleben, the same town in which he was born, on this date in 1546. On his deathbed Pastors Justus Jonas and Michael Coelius asked him, “Reverend Father, are you ready to die trusting in your Lord Jesus Christ and to confess the doctrine you taught in his name?” Luther replied with one word, “Yes!” A confession of faith was a fitting end to his life, but it was a hard struggle for him to come to that faith. Forty years before, Luther had been caught in a violent thunderstorm while walking back to the University of Erfurt. In abject terror he prayed for deliverance, promising to become a monk if he was saved. It was a long, hard journey from terror to confidence in Christ.

For as long as I can remember, Christian people have told me to have faith. I always wonder what that means. The book of Hebrews explains, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) It goes on to list many persons who acted on their faith–Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Samuel, David. We could add people from the New Testament–Mary, Peter, James, Paul. In each case, faith resulted in an action. Faith led to a way of life. Faith was certainly a way of life for Luther, even when it meant risking his life.

How are our lives changed because of faith? What paths do we travel that we never would have tried without faith in our Savior.  Read Hebrews 10:35-11:1, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne