Apr. 03, 2020

“A Mighty Fortress is our God”

The strains of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” could be heard drifting through the portals of the gigantic Washington National Cathedral on Sept. 14, 2001. It was part of the National Service of Prayer and Remembrance, just three days following the 9/11 attack on our nation. Below is the account of how that memorable song was written.

On a cold, windy night in Germany in the early 1500s, a young peasant, Martin Luther, came very near being hit by a bolt of lighting during a thunderstorm. Following his close call with death, he changed his course of study from law to theology. His education continued until he had earned a doctorate in philosophy.

Through his studies, he discovered that true Christianity did not depend upon what one knows about God, but upon a right personal relationship with God. God’s forgiveness through the sacrificial death of Christ became all important to Luther.

One day he thought, “If only I could make the pilgrimage to Rome...”

That dream was fulfilled, and while crawling up a staircase called Scala Sancta on his knees, he remembered the verse of scripture, “The just shall live by faith.” He sprang to his feet, ran back down the stairs, and the Reformation began.

The greatest work that Luther accomplished was the translation of the New Testament into the language of the people. Then to the amazement of everyone, Luther began to write hymns and gospel songs. The people sang them with great fervor. Luther preached long and hard, becoming a forceful leader of one of the world’s greatest spiritual awakenings.

Hymnbooks began to be used in the schools and homes, as well as in the churches. The Christian worship songs became a spring of spirituality in the hearts and lives of the people.

The song for which Luther will be remembered is “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” written circa 1527. It exalts God to a high and lofty position in the minds and hearts of those who believe the message of the song. It is a paraphrase of Psalm: 46.

On the base of Luther’s tomb is inscribed, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. It is said to be the greatest hymn of the greatest man in the greatest period in German history.

Historians declare that it has been sung by persecuted people on their way to exile, and by martyrs at their death. The song is rugged and strong, much like Luther himself. Frederick H. Hedge translated it from the German in 1853.

“A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing

Our helper he amid the flood, Of mortal ills prevailing

For still our ancient foe, Doth seek to work us woe

His craft and power are great, And armed with cruel hate

On earth is not his equal.”“God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1