Oct. 27, 2024

“Song of the Reformation”

Psalm 46

There are some theme songs that are just iconic and memorable.  There are some that are so recognizable that when part of it is heard or sung, you can immediately recognize the TV show that it belongs to.  What comes to mind when you hear this line: “A mighty fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon.”  Luther and the Reformation.  It is often called the theme song of the Reformation, and it based on Psalm 46, and it makes a great theme song for our lives: God is our refuge and fortress. The Psalmist begins by saying that God is the One that we can go to for shelter in times of danger, trouble, and distress.  He confesses that God is the One who strengthens and preserves us.  Since God is our refuge and strength, we don’t have to fear.  The Psalmist has a confidence in His Lord, yet it doesn’t mean that these issues won’t affect him, but he goes to God when it does because the Lord will help him through these things.  Where is God in the midst of all of this?  He is present with us in the danger, in the heartache, in the pain, trouble, suffering of it all, and when we face persecution.  He is present with the hurting family, the one who is ill from sickness, and with the struggling soul. This is seen especially in the person of Jesus, who is called “Immanuel,” which means, “God with us.” He knows what these troubles and dangers that we face are like.  He is still in our midst through His Word and Sacraments.  He hasn’t left and hasn’t gone anywhere. God is with us.  He is our fortress.  In Him, the Church cannot be overcome.  

Questions:

1.    How does music often make us do?

2.    What do the words “A Mighty Fortress” bring to mind?

3.    How is God our “Mighty Fortress”?