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2 Kings 6:17, A Mighty Fortress is our God, Coronavirus Fears, Martin Luther, Philippians 2:10-11, Psalm 46, Revelation 22:1
Many know and love the hymn, A Mighty Fortress is our God, by Martin Luther. But did you know he was inspired by Psalm 46 to write it? And do you know that he lived through a time of plague that had people “social distancing” in the 1500s? This hymn was written around that time. What about Psalm 46 inspired Luther to such great confidence in God? Let’s look at it and see.
46 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines refuge this way: That which shelters or protects from danger, distress or calamity; a strong hold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; any place inaccessible to an enemy.
This describes our God as able to protect His people and always being with them.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
No matter what disaster should strike, those who have God as their refuge have no need to fear.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
When John is given a vision of the new heavens and earth in Revelation, he sees a city where God dwells with man, and in it flows the river of life.
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; “ Revelation 22:1-2a
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
When we are in Christ, we are held firmly. We have no need to fear.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
The Lord of hosts means the commander of the armies of heaven. When Elisha and his servant were surrounded by armies and chariots, God granted them a vision of these heavenly armies.
Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha 2 Kings 6:17
Jesus is the commander of this mighty army, and He is with us.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
We are called here to see the power of the Lord. He was in control of the world when this Psalm was written, and He remains in control now.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
God tells his children to be still. I hear this as a comfort. He is telling me there is no need to strive or be fretful, much like a Father calming a frightened child. I can know that he is God. And He reveals Himself and His nature to me in His word.
One day, …“at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11 He will be exalted everywhere.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
But in the meantime, he promises to be with us and to be our fortress. We can live under siege in a fortress, as long as we have a water supply and food. But remember, this fortress has the river of life flowing through it and the bread of life living with us in it. So we have nothing to fear.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Diane