Scripture

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

~2 Timothy 3:12, NKJV

Quote

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason…I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. Here I stand, I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”

~Martin Luther,  Diet of Worms, 1521

As a spiritual discipline, in an effort not to waste time, I listen to autobiographys on YouTube. I was trying to find one Sunday evening on the way back from Athens and I providentially came across Martin Luther. Since I had heard it before, I tried to find another but I was driving and I decided to let it play out, and now I am thankful. It was a version I have never heard or if so had forgotten. Martin Luther was convicted of heresy by Charles V [most powerful ruler of 16th century] and sentenced to be burned at the stake. While being transported from Wittenburg to Worms he was abducted by Frederick the Wise who ruled Saxony [in Germany]. Frederick kidnapped Luther to spare him and he gave Luther sanctuary in the castle of Wartburg which was in Fredericks domain. Frederick became Luther’s high protector. Luther was ready to die for his faith, but adjusted rather quickly to his life being spared. It was in the castle of Wartburg that he translated the Bible into the German language using everyday terms.  At that time, most of the peasants were illiterate but public reading was popular and Luther’s Bible became the number one seller in Germany. The word spread like a wild fire.

The word of God in the hands of the common people changed not only Germany but all of Europe. Once people realized the Catholic Church had been lying to them and defrauding them, they rebelled. Charles V was a devout Catholic and he spent his life in pursuit of Luther [who was more popular than Charles himself]. Although Charles V crushed the rebellion by the brute force of his army, he abdicated his throne in 1556 and died two years later. Germany and Europe was solidly divided between Protestant and Catholic. The word of God in the hands of people had sparked a cry for freedom all over Europe. It was a fire that Charles could not put out. He died in depression knowing that although he won a crusing battle, he had lost the war. Europe would never again have one ruler and one church which was Charles goal.

I knew that Luther was persecuted but I did not realize how popular he was: he was an icon to the common people. The peasants and the middle class loved Luther and they outnumbered the royals. Truth has a way of liberating us.

Extra

I hope you love history as much as I do. If you don’t, today’s blog was probably boring. I will not make a habit of this, but I found it to be very interesting.

God is good and we are thankful. The service for Troy’s mom went well and June and the girls did a great meal for the family. All I have today is an eye doctor appointment to check out the laser procedure. I am thrilled to be able to relax in my study. The older I get the more anxious I become about COLS, but the LORD is gracious and He always enables me. I am thankful.

Jan Fields is still in ICU at Brookwood. They are hoping to see a turn around soon. There was another tragic accident in Hartselle last night and another fatality.

There is something I wanted to share with you. I thought of it yesterday but didn’t make a note and it has left me again.

I hope you have a good day and thanks for reading the blog.