A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, ELW 504 & 505
A mighty fortress is our God,
a sword and shield victorious;
he breaks the cruel oppressor's rod
and wins salvation glorious.
The old satanic foe
has sworn to work us woe!
With craft and dreadful might
he arms himself to fight.
On earth he has no equal.
No strength of ours can match his might!
We would be lost, rejected.
But now a champion comes to fight,
whom God himself elected.
You ask who this may be?
The Lord of hosts is he!
Christ Jesus, mighty Lord,
God's only Son, adored.
He holds the field victorious.
Though hordes of devils fill the land
all threat'ning to devour us,
we tremble not, unmoved we stand;
they cannot over-pow'r us.
Let this world's tyrant rage;
in battle we'll engage!
His might is doomed to fail;
God's judgment must prevail!
One little word subdues him.
God's Word forever shall abide,
no thanks to foes, who fear it;
for God himself fight by our side
with weapons of the Spirit.
Were they to take our house,
goods, honor, child, or spouse,
though life be wrenched away,
they cannot win the day.
The kingdom's ours forever!
Devotion
Our world, communities, church, families and lives are filled with many kinds of troubles. What are the troubles you face? This great hymn reminds us of our "ancient foe"—the devil who constantly pokes at us and places doubts and fears in our lives.
Some days, when we are weakest, Satan comes telling us lies and tempting us to give in to despair and sin. The hymn calls us to remember there are no troubles too big for God. The world is filled with all kinds of evil which seeks to rob our hope and peace and we easily lose our way. We try to win the battle of doubt and fear on our own efforts by seeking refuge in finances, family, job, relationships, big house and all which is fleeting.
Reformation Sunday calls us to seek refuge not in a place or a thing, but in God. God's way, God's kingdom, is what will survive. May we boldly proclaim that God is our fortress and strength today.
Prayer
Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out you Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your Word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel and bestow on your church your saving peace. Amen.