September 22, 2023 | Martin Luther – Day 29
“I know that I would be the most agreeable and the dearest person if I were to say this one word, revoco, that is, I recant. But I will not turn heretic by contradicting the opinion which made me a Christian. I would rather die by fire or be exiled and cursed.”
Martin Luther
The year is 1521 and the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, has called a diet, (a formal assembly of debate) in Worms, Germany. The principal focus of this diet was to get Martin Luther to recant his writings and reform his views that had caused the church so much recent unrest.
Instead of recanting, he risked his life to defend his view that the church had fallen away from itself. He refused to bow to the pressure of the council who considered him “a notorious heretic.” This marked the first blatant schism with the church during the reformation which started in 1517.
In a much smaller way, we too are faced with the same dilemma, to recant our Christian beliefs so that we might have an easier relationship with the world or to defend what we believe and face rejection and worldly condemnation.
In 1 Peter 3:15 it guides us towards God’s desire saying, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
It is clear from Scripture that God asks us to be bold in the proclamation of our faith. Paul told His pupil Timothy to, “Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2)
The world needs to hear the Good News of Christ crucified and risen to do away with sin. We need to be ready, even in difficult situations, to stand for the truth of the Gospel. What people need to see from the church is a renewed passion for Christ, because that is the only thing that will truly bring us to peace.
Today, be ready to make a stand for God and the mark He has placed in your heart.
Our Prayer: Heavenly Father forgive us for hiding away like lost sheep when we should be bold in our proclamation of the truth. Give us courage to defend the things we believe, even before the jury of unbelief. Amen.
