LBW 229, “A Mighty Fortress”
Devotion
Reformation Sunday isn’t the only fitting time for this grand hymn. John the Baptist and his followers needed this powerful message, as John was killed by the powers of this world – a powerful yet foolish king, a bitter and vengeful queen, a witless teenager and a solder who obeyed an unjust command. Indeed, “hordes of devils filled the land, all threatening to devour us.”
But John knew where his security was fixed. He pointed us to the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” In prison he had been told of the wonderful things Jesus was doing. (Matthew 11:2-6) He lost his head but retained his life.
That same drama has been playing out for centuries since then – Christians in the midst of suffering have looked to their Lord Jesus, “the champion whom God himself elected.” We are confident that “the Kingdom’s ours forever”!
Prayer
Lord, in the midst of whatever we face, we thank you that you are “our rock and our salvation.” Amen.