Comment on a Hymn

'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God'

This is another great hymn. One reason why we are engaged by it so is the triumphant tone of the music that goes along with its powerful words. And we need to consider those words carefully. Our God is a mighty fortress, and it's a good thing. Consider who it is that opposes us: our ancient foe, the Prince of Darkness. Left to ourselves, our striving would be losing. And yet, we can be so very optimistic. The right Man is on our side, our Lord Jesus. This is a hymn about the battle. And it understands what terrible things might happen - the body they may kill - but also what wondrous things will happen: God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. This is a hymn to sing with great gusto.

A mighty fortress is our God,

A bulwark never failing;

Our helper He, amid the flood

Of mortal ills prevailing:

For still our ancient foe

Doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and power are great,

And, armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

Our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side,

The Man of God’s own choosing:

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth, His name,

From age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,

Should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed

His truth to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim,

We tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure,

For lo, his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,

No thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours

Through Him who with us sideth:

Let goods and kindred go,

This mortal life also;

The body they may kill:

God’s truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever.