The Joy of Singing

Eisenach, Germany

Luther fondly remembered the three years that he spent in Eisenach (1498-1501) as he attended the Latin School of St. George's Church. He, along with other students, sang in the streets of Eisenach for food. His singing caught the attention of Ursula Cotta. The Cotta family took Luther into their home, the home in which this painting of Luther singing with his classmates now resides.

"Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name." Psalm 30:4 New Living Translation

Luther might have enjoyed singing as a child, but his love of singing to the Lord would grow as he understood the grace and mercy of God at work in his life.

He could sing, Gott Der Vatter, Wohn Uns Bei - God the Father, Be Our Stay.

He could sing, Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott - Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord.  

He could sing, Ein Feste Burg - A Might Fortress.

If you were to compose a song of praise to God what would be its title? Of what would you sing to your God? Luther found inspiration for his songs in that place where the Scriptures intersected his life experiences. How else could he have penned the words to A Might Fortress?

The songs we sing to God are not composed in a vacuum. They are composed in the context of our lives, lives that are encompassed inside and out by the Word of God.

May we, the "godly ones," continue to sing the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into his wondrous light.

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(Click on picture to enlarge.)

Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.