As a Lutheran pastor, certainly one of my favorite stories is the story of Martin Luther. And since 2017 marks the 500th anniversary year of the Reformation, I am really going to enjoy telling the story throughout this year to our community! It was October 31, 1517 when a German monk named Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses, or statements for debate, to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. But it’s not so much a Lutheran story as it is a “Luther-ran” story and it’s still all about Jesus! Let me share what I mean.
Luther was in his early 20’s when he ran to God during a frightening storm. He struck a bargain with God that if He would save him from the lightning strikes nearby, he would become a monk. As a monk, Luther ran through countless days of guilt and fear of God. Fearing God’s punishment in eternity, he tried his best to punish himself in the here and now, hoping that God would have mercy on his soul. But then God set him to running on a different course.
Led by the spirit while teaching scripture and theology at the University in Wittenberg, Luther ran into a God of grace. He found that the God of the Bible is not just a God of laws, but he uses his terrifying Law as a way to make sinners aware that they needed a Savior, and then he uses sweet, sweet Gospel to make those same sinners aware that the Savior had been provided for them in Jesus.
Luther ran to tell others through his 95 theses and many other writings. He ran to make use of the latest technology available, the movable-type printing press invented by Guttenberg, to spread this rediscovered good news. And when Rome demanded that he recant his teachings, Luther ran to the Word of God. As he stood before the most powerful man in the Western world, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, he said, “Unless I am convinced by proofs from scripture or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen!”
Many do not realize that when Luther was ordered to recant he did not immediately respond with those courageous words, but requested time to think it over. He came back with that prayerful and courageous response the next day. You see, Luther ran to his Mighty Fortress, the God of the Bible, and there he found not only safety, but also true freedom in Christ Jesus.
Luther’s refuge and strength is also yours. For God ran to you in Christ to show you mercy and give you all the forgiveness you would ever need. This year, I hope you will join me in running, as Luther ran, to tell others about a God who would rather die than live without us!