Saturday October 31, 2020 - A Blessed Reformation
But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:19–20)
Happy Reformation Day! It was on this day 503 years ago that Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg. This was where we mark the start of the reformation. For many years, Luther would live as an outlaw in the Holy Roman Empire. Many times, he would be brought before the governing officials to renounce the reformation and the teaching of justification through faith alone. And many times, Martin Luther, and his colleagues and friends would stand and defend God’s Word.
When you study the history of the reformation, you can’t help but see God’s guiding hand in the way everything played out. Martin Luther had many opportunities to make life easier for himself but denying what God’s Word states so clearly. But when it came time, God often gave Martin Luther elegant ways of proclaiming the gospel to even his staunchest opponents.
While you and I might not have to hide for our safety or stand before the president or the queen and renounce what we know and believe to be the true Word of God, God still promises to give us the words to proclaim the gospel. His guiding hand is still on us and he has given us his Word to share his good news with those who need to hear it.
So do not be afraid of what you will say when you share the good news. God will use your witness for his good purpose. Amen.
Our song for today is a classic reformation hymn. It is “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” written by Martin Luther, sung by Koine.