Some Thoughts on Luther on Reformation Day 2018
Martin Luther is one of my ministry heroes. The author of Hebrews wrote, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:8) Since today is Reformation Day, I wanted to focus briefly on where we should imitate Luther’s faith. To be sure, like all of us, Luther had his struggles, sins, and failings, some of them spectacular. Nevertheless, there are at least two characteristics of his life that are worthy of imitation by modern Christians as we seek to follow Jesus better.
First, we should imitate Luther’s view of the Bible. He loved the word of God. It was his mainstay, his rock, his fountain, his very life. When asked about the Reformation, Luther said simply, “The word did it all.” He believed that every word in the Bible was God’s word. He preached it, taught it, talked about it, and prayed it daily. I believe one of the reasons God used Luther in such a mighty way was his unfailing trust in God’s word. The same word that wrought the Reformation in the sixteenth century can change our lives and our world today if we will trust it like Luther did!
Second, we should follow Luther in the way he viewed this world. He saw all its ugliness. He suffered greatly in body and soul. He buried children. He buried friends. Yet he was a man of great joy, by all accounts. His home was full of students and travelers and those who just wanted to listen to the man speak. He loved his “dear Katie” fiercely. In other words, Luther shows us how to live in union with Christ. We will have our share of sufferings and sorrow, but the gospel teaches us how to sing in the midst of the pain.
This Reformation Day, may Luther’s love of the Bible and personal example point the way for us to live for God’s glory. And may the Lord be pleased to send reformation and revival to his church once again!
Dr. Gabe Fluhrer
Associate Minister of Discipleship
