It had been an exhausting night. The man, Martin Luther had made his way up the steps to the door of the Wittenburg church. No doubt, anxiety was raging inside him. As he unrolled the scroll and lifted his hammer, he had to be wondering if he was doing the right thing. He had pondered this very deed for some time, until his voice could no longer remain silent.

Martin was born the son of successful businessman who wanted his son to follow in his footsteps. Martin had other ideas. As a child he was educated in schools that were run by the Catholic church. He was well versed in scripture. He studied the Bible incessantly. As he grew older, he decided to become a monk against his father’s will. Perhaps the strict lifestyle of the time in the home as well as the church, made him feel he had to choose this vocation to make himself right with God. Times were also changing. The Renaissance was in full force. New ideas, newfound appreciation for the arts, and an interest in world issues was emerging.

The monastic life required a life of structure, prayer, work, study, self-sacrifice, service and more prayer. The life required confession and prayer and Martin lived up to that obligation. Many a priest would complain about his long list of sins as he entered the confessional. For some reason, he never felt adequate to come into God’s presence. The church of the time was selling indulgences, which guaranteed a place in heaven. Knowing that grace was the only thing required, made Martin question the church and its desire to gain wealth through the selling of these worthless documents.

Finally, he could wait no longer. He had to confront the church. He knew in his heart that he might be considered a heretic. He felt the sting of condemnation. Yet he could not allow his fellow Christians to be duped in this way. When he hammered the document to the church door, he knew it would be read. On the next day, the church would be filled with many who would gather for All Saints Day. I wonder what was going through his mind as he left that church. I wonder if he knew his words would not only challenge the church, but also put his life in danger. I wonder if I would be able to stand up to the voices of those I challenged. I wonder, yet I know that God was guiding Martin Luther to change the corruption and reform His church on earth.

Once again, God had a plan. He used a group of young reformers to weed out the wrongs of the church. They were ordinary men like you and me. We all have an obligation to do God’s will on this earth. He has made it possible for us to enter paradise. We have the confidence to join the saints in heaven who have gone before us. Death no longer holds fear for those who love God.

Hold Thou Thy cross
Before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom
And point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks,
And earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death,
O Lord, abide with me.

From the Hymn “Abide With Me,” by Henry Francis Lyte