Reformation Week
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. . . . I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. Philippians 1:21,23
To be unhappy at a job is tough sledding. Going home for the day is great joy! Those who enjoy their work also reach a point where they put down the tools and go home. Life itself is a lot like that. There is a time to be born and to work. There is a time to be done and to die. The moment of death is not ours to decide. “My times are in Your hands.” (Psalm 31:15). God ends life when He knows best.
After his stay at the Wartburg, Luther returned to Wittenberg and the University. The Lord protected him as he stayed within Elector Fredrick’s province. He labored twenty-four more years for the Lord. He taught classes, wrote Bible commentaries, preached often, revamped the Roman order of worship, and produced hymns. He married Katherina von Bora in 1525; they were blessed with six children. He wrote the Small and Large Catechisms, finished his German translation of the Old Testament, wrote documents and letters, and met with many people to extend Biblical reform within the church. His mission as a doctor of theology was to teach the Scriptures faithfully and defend them against all false doctrine. The Scriptures are God’s precious Word of forgiveness and salvation by faith in Jesus alone!
Nevertheless, the time came for Martin Luther to lay down his tools. In early 1546, already feeling poorly, he traveled to Eisleben, his birth city. There he died on February 18 at the age of 62. Shortly before his death, he was asked, “Are you willing to die in the name of Christ and the doctrine which you have preached?” He answered, “Yes!” The Lord took him Home.
Live your life in Christ, work in Christ, and whenever God says your day is over, depart in Christ—forgiven, safe, and saved! How blessed to know Jesus!
Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit! Amen! (Luke 23:46 KJV)