Attend To and Abide With the Word

Sometimes people mistakenly think that Lutherans worship Martin Luther, or that Luther somehow spoke like an oracle whose words must be prized above all others. That’s not how it works, though. Luther pointed, not to his own words, but to God’s Word. In the same way, we use Luther’s writings today, not because they are Luther’s words, but because they expound on and point to God’s Word, which hold out Jesus Christ and his life and death as the only way of salvation.

So, I was excited recently to get the newest volume of the American Edition of Luther’s Works.  The entire book is sermons relating to John 17-20. I’ve just started reading it, but it has been excellent so far. The following quote shows Luther’s attitude from and about God’s Word.

I have given this admonition already and must repeat it often, for we see that Christ sets such importance on it that He constantly repeats the same thing, showing abundantly how supremely necessary it is that above all else we attend to and abide with the Word…Whatever shame may accordingly fall upon us, we will have the injury abundantly made good by this treasure. For this is what crushes Satan’s head [Gen. 3:15], that is, what destroys his kingdom and all his might…In short, no holy life, righteousness, or wisdom avails against his power and might, but only this Word. Therefore, it should be our greatest concern that we not let ourselves be torn away from it. For that is what [Satan] strives for and seeks with all his thoughts and powers. Whoever perseveres in [the Word], takes thought for it, and prays for it has the comfort here through Christ’s prayer [in John 17:8] that he will remain steadfast in it, and no power will accomplish anything against it.

(Luther’s Works, Volume 69, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis. 2009, p. 66)

This quote reminds me of Peter’s description of the devil: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9, ESV).

Thankfully, God gives us something to keep us firm in our faith in Christ. Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word!