LBW 228, 229 "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
Devotion
I always find it insightful to sit down and actually read the words of hymns that I have just sung. All too often I experience singing as a form of expression unto itself. Only in taking time to comprehend what is written do I discover new meaning in the text. In reading John’s gospel lesson, and reading this hymn again, I see a sort of call and response.
John’s lesson tells us to continue in God’s word. Martin Luther’s hymn ends with the proclamation that God’s word will continue in us. Verse four reminds us, “God’s word forever shall abide… For God himself fights by our side.” No matter what is taken away from us in this life, God’s word, life itself, will remain with us. It’s a call and response that Jesus is inviting us to join: Continue in my word, for my word will continue in you.