Spend Time in A Mighty Fortress

Summertime brings with it opportunity to spend time in a good book or have a long meal on a warm evening with a close friend. I would like to invite you to spend some time in the hymn we sang at the end of service Sunday, July 20, A Mighty Fortress. It could be the great read or friend you were needing to spend time with this summer.

Good hymns are an anchor in the church and we should endeavor to learn and know them. What makes a hymn good? It is aligned with scripture and follows Colossians 3:16 (teaching and admonishing in all wisdom). "A Mighty Fortress" is a good hymn. Martin Luther wrote it in 1529 in German and it has been translated over 100 times into English (if you know another language translation please compare with lyrics below). The version below was written by Frederick Hedge in 1831.

This hymn gives us opportunity to have a window into both Luther and Hedge's study of God and who He has revealed himself to be. I encourage you to take time to dig deeply into these lyrics, find the scripture where they came from and be encouraged that God is the same then and today. I will provide an example of one way to study this with the first verse and encourage you to spend time with verses 2,3,4. May this scaffolding provide you with a delicious time of study and meditation with God.

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Ein Feste Burg)

From Psalm 46:11, written from Martin Luther's reflection on the psalm as well as contemplation of events at the time of writing.

Verse 1

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing

You God are our mighty fortress. A bulwark, a defensive wall never failing.

Scriptures: Psalm 46:11, 2 Thess 3:3

Our helper He amid the flood, of mortal ills prevailing

We are surrounded by troubles, suffering and challenges, they are pouring over us, flooding our lives. You God are our helper in this flood.

Scriptures: Psalm 46:1-3, John 16:33

For still our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe

Our enemy is working every day, seeking our days to be full of great sorrow and distress.

Scriptures: Genesis 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8

His craft and pow'r are great, and armed with cruel hate. On earth is not his equal

Our enemy is smart and powerful and armed with cruel hate. We are no match for him.

Scriptures: Luke 4:6, John 14:30

Now it's your turn, take each line and paraphrase it in your own words, looking up words you don't know. Think about the turns of phrase that Hedge used and see if you can speak them in a way we speak today. Reflect on what the line says and think about if you know any scripture that speaks to it. Enjoy what your study reveals to you about God. Taste and see that He is good.

Verse 2

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

Verse 3

And tho' this world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us

We will not fear for God hath willed, His truth to triumph thru us

The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him

His rage we can endure, for lo his doom is sure. One little word shall fell him

Verse 4

That word above all earthly pow'rs, no thanks to them abideth

The Spirit and the gifts are ours, thru Him who with us sideth

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also

The body they may kill, God's truth abideth still. His kingdom is forever

Frederick Henry Hedge, Martin Luther CCLI Song #42964

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