Saturday, October 24, 2009
Colossians 3:16 ". . . sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."
SKETCHES IN FAITH: LUTHER AND MUSIC
Music has been called Luther's passion. His own words justify this characterization: "Music is one of God's best and most glorious gifts. The devil is a great enemy of music, with which one can dispel many temptations and evil thoughts . . . Music is the best restorative for a depressed person."
Luther, of course, above all else, loved music set to strong Law and Gospel lyrics. This love led him to introduce congregational singing to the worship service. Ever since, the Lutheran church has been known as the "singing church."
The many hymns Luther wrote set the tone for a focus on Christ in the hymns of the Lutheran church. This is in contrast to a focus on personal feelings. Luther understood that faith needs to be anchored to the objective truths of Christ's life, death and resurrection for sinners. Lyrics with a sentimental "me" emphasis may leave the singer with a warm feeling, but offer little help in the face of sin, death and hell.
No where do we see Luther directing sinners so mightily to the saving love of their God, than in the battle hymn of the Reformation, "A Mighty Fortress is our God!"
A mighty Fortress is our God, A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from every need That hath us now o'ertaken.
The old evil Foe Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight;
On Earth is not his equal.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 262:1)
We conclude our sketches with the reminder that we do not wish to put Luther on a pedestal. We praise God for him as we do for all gifts God gives His Church.
