I believe Lutheran historian Martin Marty said you could only understand Lutheranism if you sat around the campfires and sang the songs. There is some truth to that. It has been both a strength and a weakness of Lutheranism that there is a “Lutheran culture” that surrounds many of its practitioners–although what that culture is like varies a good bit depending on if you grew up in a Lutheran church is, say, Trappe, Pennsylvania or Stoughton, Wisconsin.

I know about singing the songs. What could be more Lutheran than singing “A Mighty Fortress”? However, I was astonished when I was at a Reformation celebration where that hymn wasn’t sung in the way I had learned, but in the manner Luther had written.

Luther wrote the text and tune sometime between 1527 and 1529. The occasion for the hymn is a mystery. I find it a great hymn of encouragement in difficult times. It directs us toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

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 Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.

I hope this hymn is more than a cultural artifact. It should be an inspiration for all of us who faces the challenges of a world that rejects God. Stand firm. Face whatever comes.

God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever! 

Read Psalm 46 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne