Here I Stand

Crosses marked on stone walls by pilgrims walking the Via Dolorosa

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.
It was an interesting experience to worship on Reformation Sunday and sing this hymn within city walls built to keep out the ancient foes and to cross through check points as new walls are being built to draw enemy lines.  Martin Luther’s images reflect 16th century Germany but also the history of Israel.  God is a mighty stone building. Building up defensive walls for safety and freedom have been happening through the generations. Battling hate, division and the strength of human egos are not new issues. Yet, God is a place of security, from age to age the same.

Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount

Before worshiping at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Kirk and I walked up to the temple mount around the Dome of the Rock.  It is the location of the first and second temple in Jerusalem.  On one side is the western wall and on the mount is a shrine built to honor Muhammed.   In spite of the changes since 70 A.D. when the Jewish temple was completely destroyed, the temple mount does give a sense of where Jesus taught and worshiped.  Muslim, Jews and Christians all value this area and can be seen following out their different religious practices within a 360 view of the space.   I’ve heard it said, “human beings never behave more badly toward one another than when they believe they are protecting God.” There is some truth to that statement and certainly no simple answers.  Christianity’s theology of reconciliation gives me hope but the Reformation also celebrates people who take a stand for restoration.

Western Wall of the Old Temple

 And so I found the words of Psalm 46 on Reformation Sunday speaking to both our foundation and the continual renewal of God’s church.

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.  God is within her, ... Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;... The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46: 4-7


We worship a God who is greater than any political spin or religious controversy.  The psalmist proclaims that we have nothing to fear for the Lord Almighty is with us.  God will always have the last word.  Here I stand, in this holy land with so much diversity, and celebrate Martin Luther’s desire to revive our love for the whole Word of God.

"no man's land" between Jordan and Israel from 1948-1967

Here's hoping Pastor Tom will wear this when he leads the Trinity group

Even cats enjoy a prayer rug and the east morning sun