The age old hymn A
Mighty Fortress Is Our God has been sung by a collection of individuals. It
was commonly vocalized by a number of different churches, nations and tongues.
It was also sung for several occasions. One of said occasions was at the
National Cathedral in Washington for President Eisenhower’s funeral. During
seemingly hopeless times, missionaries on the verge of martyrdom have
experienced strength, hope, and grace while warbling this tune. This piece of
art has impacted people all across the globe because of the story of love it
portrays through Christ Jesus.
On November
10, 1483, Martin Luther was ushered into the world with a purpose, to change
it. In Germany, his father had lived a life of a peasant, and as any father
would, strived for his son’s success. Because of his fathers support, Martin
received his Master’s degree from the University of Erfurt at age twenty-one.
In a single day, history would be changed. For, on that day Martin Luther was
caught in a furious thunderstorm, where lightning struck dangerously close to
him. At that moment he vowed if he got out of the storm alive he would become a
monk. So, he dropped out of college and became a monk, and began his training.
Over the years, he learned from biblical text, which he constantly studied, and
taught biblical truths as well as information concerning theology. Shortly
after this period, Luther had a realization that forgiveness can not be bought
or earned by good works and looking at the bones of saints. He also started on
a minute level, to understand a fraction of God’s true love for us. October 31,
1517, when Martin Luther nailed the ninety-five theses to the church door in
Wittenberg, Germany, was considered the birth of the reformation. In January
1521, Luther was excommunicated and regarded as a dangerous heretic because of
his different beliefs. He became the widely known leader of the protest
throughout Germany. He also translated the bible from Latin to German. Being
stubborn and unwavering his views often clashed with those of other reformers.
In 1525, he was united with Katherine von Bora in marriage, who bore him six
children. On February 18, 1546, Germany mourned their protestant leader.
Martin Luther was motivated to compose this
meaningful piece by strong convictions concerning the power of sacred music.
This patriotic hymn was derived from Psalm forty-six. By many it has been
considered, “A majestic and thunderous proclamation of our faith [which] is a
singing symbol of the reformation.[1]”
This tune has been referred to as the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.”
In 1529,
when A Mighty Fortress Is Our God was created many other historical
events were going on as well. For instance, on May 27 of that year
the Ottoman Empire reached the uttermost peak of expansion, as it defeated
Algeria. Also on August 5, The Peace of Cambrai was signed which settled the
conflict between France and Spain.
I deeply
enjoyed the passionate expression of admiration for my Lord and savior which I
reflected in this lyric. I affirm that this song manifests the struggle and
victory in our journey as Christians and believers. I believe if one picks
apart the piece they can find a deeper meaning that applies to them directly.
While one is facing
a trial the words in this song can be strength giving. One promise Christians hold dear
in this proclamation of faith is the evil one’s doom is sure. God’s kingdom is
forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment