Saturday, October 30, 2010
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
THE KINGDOM IS OURS FOREVER!
The Word they still shall let remain Nor any thanks have for it;
He's by our side upon the plain With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life, Goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone, They yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 262:4)
Do you hear the echoes of Luther's explanations of the Apostles Creed in this final stanza of "The Battle Hymn of the Reformation"? While the Reformer is joyfully grateful to God for all His earthly blessings ("God preserves me by richly and daily providing ... house and home, spouse and children ... and all I need to support this body and life."), He values most highly the gift of God's Word and the Savior who rules his heart and life. ("He redeemed me that I should be His very own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in eternal righteousness, innocence, and joy.")
The supper table at Luther's house was never dull. There were always a number of relatives, students and guests. And Luther talked while he ate -- doing both with gusto. And there was always someone taking notes. Luther's Table Talks are striking in the wide range of topics discussed and the underlying joy with which he approached life. Gone is the frightened college student pleading for his life as a thunderstorm rages. There is no sign of the fearful monk desperately praying through the night in an effort to placate an angry God.
After Christ became Luther's life, he saw the whole world in a new light. And he was no longer afraid to take on the joys of life -- even to marry and raise a family, though the Emperor's edict of "outlaw" was never rescinded. It was not that he had no appreciation for the threats of his enemies or of the plague and other serious health issues of his day. He knew what it was to have a dear child die in his arms.
But the Lord who ruled Luther's heart and life was the Lord of Life and the Victor over Death. Death would not, could not, cannot separate the Lord Christ from His own. Luther had his Lord's Word on that -- and so do you. No matter what of this life is taken from us, all that is "in Christ" is secure.
The Kingdom ours remaineth.
