Abide

Martin Luther wrote the words and composed the melody to “A Mighty Fortress” sometime between 1527 and 1529. Remember that Martin Luther was a German monk, priest, professor of theology and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation (Wikipedia). He strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God's punishment for sin could be purchased with money; that salvation is not earned but a gift of God. Luther helped the Bible become more accessible to the common man.
 
Quick facts about “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”:

• It has been called the "Battle Hymn of the Reformation" for the effect it had.
• It was a tribute to Luther's friend Leonhard Kaiser, who was executed on August 16, 1527.
• The words are a paraphrase of Psalm 46.
• Luther composed the melody, named "Ein feste Burg" from the text's first line, in meter 87.87.55.56.7. This is sometimes denoted "rhythmic tune" to distinguish it from the later isometric variant, in 87.87.66.66.7 (thanks Wikipedia).
• This hymn covers the full sweep of the Christian's life. In it, we find the answer to conflict, striving, spiritual warfare, and at last, victory. (<http://www.crosswalk.com/11583552/).

 
One of the most significant facts to note about the song is that not every verse ends with a cheerful note, literally, musically, and lyrically. In fact, some notes are sour and dissonant. Here are the lyrics:
 
A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing. 
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
 
Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side,
the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? 
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth, his name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.
 
And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us. 
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
 
That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours,
thru him who with us sideth. 
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever.
 
 
Who has no equal on earth, as noted in Verse 1? Our ancient foe. Darkness, fear, hate, cowardice, cheating, lying, stealing, and lack of faith. These are the great enemy.

​So why are we singing about this enemy being so strong? Look at Verse 3: God hath willed his truth to triumph through us. Our enemy may be unequal, our enemy may appear strong, but one little word shall fell the enemy. One little word, one little name: Jesus. That name, that word, above all earthly powers. Let goods and kindred go; this mortal life also. God’s truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever.
 
Psalm 46 says:
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
 
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
 
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
 
Come and see the works of the Lord,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
 
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
                                   
Here is the definition of the word, ‘Fortress’: a large fort or fortified town; a place or source of refuge or support. Definition of the word, ‘Bulwark’: any protection against external danger, injury, or annoyance. I like the reminder, that the almighty, protecting God who was around in 1 BC, who was around in 1527, is still around and present as ever in 2021.
 
God abideth with us still.
 
Even during failure.
Even when you step in gum in the parking lot.
Even when the plans go wrong.
Even when you feel the mountains quaking.
Even when the budget won’t be met.
Even when gray clouds fill the sky, masking the bright yellow sun.
 
Lord Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, of armies, from age to age the same. And He must win the battle.
 
So whether the battle is internal, or external, among friends or strangers, or random awkwardness at the line at the grocery store, He can work through it. He’s the one we run to, flinging our shameful inadequacy into his arms when we forget, fail, or falter. “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:5-7).
 
Maybe today is your mortal ill, your earth giving way, your uproar.
 
Well for those of us in the audience, we wait. Just keep on singing the chords and remember that even when my blood pressure rises, there’s a stronger one standing beside me. And he must win the battle.
 
 

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