Day by Day with Martin Luther

Read: 1st Samuel 15:1-19:24 John 8:1-59 Proverbs 15:8-14

“The Worth of Humanity”

“Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.”
[Psalm 62:9]

Here you must ask: “what? Is humanity worth nothing, even though it is a creature of God?” answer this; David is not speaking about the creature as such, but about the use of the creature. That is, humanity is certainly a good thing; but it is not put to good use … in what way? Because people try to put their trust in them and to build on them. For such use they are nothing. Why? Because they are uncertain in their hearts and in their lives. Sand and water are a good thing; but if I wanted to build a house on them, they would be worth nothing. When I drink fresh water, however, and wash with it, it is a precious and useful thing; for that is what it is made for. We must serve God in all we do, follow His commands, hear His Gospel, love His Christ, believe in His Son’s death and resurrection, that is what we are now here to do.