A Mighty Fortress

There I was, sitting in the Fortress Salzburg, over looking this historic Austrian city, listening to a classical music recital with my wife. I was struck by the fact that the classic hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" was written by Martin Luther.

Germany is dotted with castles and fortress like buildings. The very room where we listened to the recital still had cannonball damage from fighting a peasants' revolt in the 1500's. This is a place where people can see the importance of having a fortress or refuge. Even as recently as 1989, where the East Germans were blocked by wall and barbed wire from escaping into the refuge of West Berlin, thez have had this in their history.

I've been in the Psalms lately, and they are full of references to God as "our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble". David and the other psalm authors knew that life brings trials and troubles, but that God is ever faithful to meet us in these times. We just need to recognize where that shelter is.

I wouldn't normally expect to be on German TV, but yesterday my German friend and I were stopped near the Brandenburg Tor (Gate), where the reporter stuck a microphone in my friend's face and asked him about the resignation of Juergen Klinsmann, the German national coach. They talked in German, but when I asked about Klinsmann, the reporter was amazed that I as an American knew about him. He then put the microphone to me, and asked what I thought. I told him that I heard the rumor that he might coach the US national team sometime. The reporter pressed further, mentioning how people thought he was responsible for revival in Germany, as the successful World Cup has really boosted their national ego, which has suffered since WWII. I told him that Klinsmann was just a man, and that only a man of Martin Luther's stature could cause something like a national revival in Germany. Little did the reporter know that I was here in Germany to see if I can help in some little way to spark such an event.

It was funny though, how they looked to someone as simple as a football (soccer) coach, when they have evidence all over of the true Refuge. Please pray as we seek God on behalf of Germany, Europe, and the world this Saturday. We want to see Jesus get His rightful due, and that a new wave of missions would launch from this. For those who have access, apparently you can watch this event I'm involved in here at God TV. Check it out if you can!