Thursday, October 23, 2014
Acts 4:20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.
REFORMATION RECAP: "WE CANNOT BUT SPEAK"
In 1531, Luther questioned how anyone can expect silence in view of God's command and the inner urge of a believing heart.
"This is the testimony of my conscience: I am peaceful and seek peace. Whence, then, these disturbances and this war? From me indeed, but without my fault. For if I were quiet and permitted these disturbers to say and do everything as they pleased, then peace would remain, and they would undertake nothing against me. But how can we remain silent about what we have seen, about what we have heard, nay, about what we have been commanded to proclaim, not in chambers but from the housetops? For so says Christ: 'Go ye ... and preach the Gospel to every creature' (Mark 16:15); again: 'No one hides a light under a bushel' (Matthew 5:15). This causes the Word to be like a live coal in our mouth; it cannot be kept there but forces us to open our mouth. Thence, therefore, arise these disturbances. Men abolish the command of God and want us to be silent."
Luther had a right understanding of Psalm 120:4 which speaks against the evil tongue. As the Reformation continued on, Luther's studies, translation of the Bible into German, and speaking out for the truth encouraged others to do the same. Much like today, it is not a time for us to remain silent for what God has revealed to us in Christ our Savior and His Word!
If God had not been on our side And had not come to aid us,
The foes with all their power and pride Would surely have dismayed us;
For we, His flock, would have to fear The threat of men both far and near
Who rise in might against us.
(Martin Luther, 1524, The Lutheran Hymnal, 267:1)
(Quotations taken from "What Luther Says," E. M. Plass, 1195)
