November 7: A BROKEN SNARE

Luther traveled on foot to Augsburg, Germany, the agreed-upon site of his trial. His friends had been concerned for his safety, fearing that he would be kidnapped and killed on the way. Luther’s response: “They have already destroyed my honor and my reputation. One single thing remains: my wretched body. Let them take it; they will thus shorten my life by a few hours. But as for my soul, they cannot take that. He who desires to proclaim the word of Christ to the world must expect death at every moment.”

Roman Church policy was to project an appearance of gentleness. At the beginning of the first interview, the legate professed friendship toward Luther, and in the same friendly tone informed him that he must submit to Rome’s authority. But the legate had vastly underestimated the character and Biblical knowledge of the man on trial. Luther expressed regard for the Church along with his desire for truth; and a readiness to provide answers to each of their objections to his teachings was also eloquently expressed, adding that he wished to submit the doctrines by which he stood to any and all who desired to examine them. Luther politely protested against the cardinal who had demanded him to retract all of his teachings without having proven him to be in error on any of them. The legate’s only response: “Retract! Retract!” But Luther could not renounce truth, and he stated as much. He demonstrated that his teachings were sustained in the Scriptures, to which the legate could not argue. Having lost his patience, the legate exploded in a storm of reproaches, jeers, and insults. His imperious language was intended to overwhelm Luther, who quickly saw the futility of continuing in this vein. Luther eventually succeeded in obtaining permission, albeit reluctant, to present his answer to the court in writing.

At the next session, Luther read aloud his prepared answer to the accusation of heresy. Fully supported by Scripture quotations, it was inarguable on each point. He calmly handed it to the cardinal, who threw it aside and declared it “a mass of idle words”. At this point, Luther met him on his own level—church traditions—and eloquently overthrew his presumptuous ‘points of authority’. Luther’s reason being unanswerable, the cardinal lost his last sliver of self-control, and in a rage demanded a full retraction and spewed a lengthy series of threats. After hearing these threats, Luther declared simply that no retraction would be forthcoming.

Luther was under the formal protection of Frederick, the elector of Saxony, but was informed that the Romanists were plotting to kidnap and imprison him. Nevertheless, the occasion of his trial had been a successful arena for the manifestation of two opposing spirits. And how marked was the contrast! Men could judge for themselves between the two, and those who had been in attendance readily shared what they had witnessed with their families, friends, and communities. With the help of friends, Luther quietly left Augsburg on horseback, escaping as a bird from the snare of the fowlers.

Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers. The snare is broken and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:6-8