Day by Day with Martin Luther

Read: Jeremiah 26:1-31:26 2nd Thessalonians 3:1-18 / 1st Timothy 1:1-2:15 Proverbs 25:16-19

“Rely on Christ Alone”

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard 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…”
[1st Peter 3:14-15]

The world is defiant and courageous when it’s moneybags and bins are full. Then there is such pride and defiance that the devil could no get along with a rich peasant … one who has a little power, honor, knowledge, favor, money, or goods, refuses to yield to another person. But if we look at this right, we find nothing but a foolish childish reliance, without any stability. Christians have nothing to rely upon but Christ, their Lord and God. They willingly surrender all things for His sake and say: “before I deny or forsake Christ, I will bid farewell to my neck, honor and goods, house and home, family and everything.” This courage cannot be a sham or a delusion; it must be genuine and real. A Christian is sure of their position, and will then fear neither the devil nor the world; neither is he intimidated by any threat or terror.