My favorite reformer is doing the heavy lifting today

Walking in the Truth

Today's Truth from Scripture

"He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts." Luke 1:51

Today's Devotional Thoughts from Martin Luther *

"These words ("He has shown strength") . . . are not bound to any one time, but are intended to set forth in general the works of God that He always has done, always does, & always will do. Hence the following would be a fair translation:  'God is a Lord whose works are of such a nature that He mightily scatters the proud & is merciful to those who fear Him.' In the Scriptures, the 'arm' of God means God's own power, by which He works without the medium of any creature. This work is done quietly & in secret, & no one becomes aware of it until all is accomplished; so that this power, or arm, can be known & understood only by faith."

My Thoughts

• This was one of the meditative readings that was part of my "quiet time" on July 4. It seemed especially relevant at the time & even more so in light of subsequent events.
• We . . . or at least I . . . would prefer a God who acts boldly & decisively like the God of the Old Testament . . . striking down our enemies in dramatic & awesome fashion.
• Yet our God is a God whose "work is done quietly & in secret" . . . & no doubt this is the face of a merciful Savior.
• St. Paul writes, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Prayer Thoughts  

• Give thanks for a merciful God who ultimately will deliver us from sin, death, & Satan. 
• Ask God to bring healing to those wounded in recent terrorist & sniper attacks.
• Ask Him to bring comfort to the families of loved ones who have been killed.

* Source:  Martin Luther Day by Day, from The Magnificat {Luther's Works 21:339), Concordia Publishing House.