ODJ: a mighty fortress
October 21, 2009
READ: Psalm 46
God is our refuge
and strength, always ready to help in times
of trouble (v.1).
You might know of Martin Luther as the father of the Reformation and that he translated the whole Bible into German. But what is less known is that Luther was also a composer of 37 hymns. His best-known hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” is also called “The Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” There are at least 70 different English translations of this hymn. The most popular version, containing the words “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing,” was translated in 1853.
Luther’s hymn is based on Psalm 46. In that psalm, the author writes of the refuge and protection that God provides in times of trouble (v.1). Things like natural disasters (vv.2-3) are an ever-present reality. The world has often experienced great devastation and destruction caused by earthquakes, hurricanes, and typhoons. And Jesus warned us of a future cataclysmic and cosmic catastrophe (Luke 21:11,25-26; Matthew 24:29-30; Revelation 16:18-21). But no matter what happens, whatever the outward circumstances, those who make God their refuge and strength are safe (Psalm 46:1-3).
We live in a world of conflict (vv.8-9), with war and hostility between nations commonplace. In the last several decades, hundreds of wars have been fought. Yet Jesus spoke of even more and bigger wars (Luke 21:9-10; Matthew 24:6-7) and the final war of the world, Armageddon (Zechariah 14:2-3; Revelation 16:12-16, 19:11-21). The outcome of that apocalyptic battle will be victory for God’s people (Psalm 46:5) and peace for the world (v.9). Twice we are assured that the “Lord of Heaven’s Armies” is with us; our God is our fortress (vv.7,11).
No matter the circumstance, God calls us to “be still, and know that I am God!” (v.10). With hope in Him we sing, “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.” —K.T. Sim
What trials and troubles are you dealing with? Why is it so difficult to be still before God when you’re facing them?
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Loading ...ODB: who goes there?
October 21, 2009
READ: John 10:1-6
When he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him. —John 10:4
Last fall my wife, Carolyn, and I were driving up a winding mountain road near our home in Idaho when we came across a large flock of sheep moving down the road toward us. A lone shepherd with his dogs was in the vanguard, leading his flock out of summer pasture into the lowlands and winter quarters.
We pulled to the side of the road and waited while the flock swirled around us. We watched them until they were out of sight, then I wondered: Do sheep fear change, movement, new places?
Like most older folks, I like the “fold”—the old, familiar places. But all is shifting and changing these days; I’m being led out, away from familiar surroundings and into a vast unknown. What new limits will overtake me in the coming days? What nameless fears will awaken? Jesus’ words from John 10 come to mind: “When he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them” (v.4).
We may well be dismayed at what life has for us this year and next, but our Shepherd knows the way we’re taking. And He goes before. He will not lead us down paths too dangerous or too arduous where He cannot help us. He knows our limits. He knows the way to green pasture and good water; all we have to do is follow. — David H. Roper
Our unknown future is secure in the hands of our all-knowing God.
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By nature we all have a desire to control our world. From infancy we turn to our own independent way, trying to control circumstances, the future, people—and even God if we could. Since we can’t, we end up frustrated, hostile, and critical.
Our need to be in control is rooted in excessive self-love. For example, when people we love are sick, we often want them to get well so we can get some rest and not have to worry about them. “Boil it down to this,” a Bible teacher once said, “we are madly in love with ourselves!”
In Romans 8, the apostle Paul called this self-centeredness “the flesh.” By nature we live as if we owe the flesh our obedience. Paul reminded us in verse 12 that this isn’t so. He then offered an effective alternative: We can be led and controlled by God’s Spirit (v.14). We may be afraid to give up control of our lives to God, but we needn’t be. Human control shackles us; God’s control gives us freedom. Human control insists on immediate results; God’s control allows for a lifelong process of change.
Are you “madly in love” with yourself? Why not turn the controls of your life over to God. Ask Him to change you and help you to love Him and others. — Joanie Yoder
(Article taken from Our Daily Bread)
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