Psalm 46 is our passage this Sunday.
This Sunday also marks the Sunday closest to Reformation Day, which is October 31. On October 31, 1517, as legend has it, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses (brief statements) on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany which was the spark that lit the fire of the Protestant Reformation. Psalm 46 is normally one of the Scriptures chosen for the day, which is the inspiration for Martin Luther’s hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”. Luther’s work inspired other Reformers, including John Calvin, who is the spiritual leader for our branch of Christianity.
God is indeed our fortress, refuge, strength, and present help in troubling times! When everything around us seems to be falling apart, the psalmist says: “Don’t be afraid!” Even when earthly forces attempt to threaten us, God is our aid in those times.
Yet, the most interesting two verses that stick out to me are verses 8-9. “The LORD is bringing devastation among the earth,” the author of Psalm 46 says. Yet, the devastation is not what we think it is! The LORD will destroy war with peace. Destroy evil with love. God will dismantle the weapons of war and bring peace and order to a troubled and chaotic world!
Friends, the LORD is at work in our world and is calling us to confront the chaotic forces in our lives with a word of peace. That peace doesn’t come from us, but from the Source of peace. And that is indeed very Good News!
Christ’s Peace,
Pastor T. Wes Moore