October 16, 2021

“You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak.”  Matthew 10:18-19

Following the two-week journey from Wittenberg to Worms, Luther at last stood before that august assembly. The scene was one of immense irony. The pope had condemned him to perpetual silence, yet he stood before thousands of attentive and influential hearers. The council’s insistence on Luther’s presence would seem to have set itself above the pope! The scene provided a notable contrast between the humbly dressed Reformer and the dazzling finery worn by the members of the council. Luther was conducted to a spot directly in front of the emperor’s throne. An imperial officer arose and pointed to a collection of Luther’s books. In a thundering voice, he demanded two answers from Luther: “Are these your writings?” and “Will you retract the opinions put forth in them?” Luther readily acknowledged the books to be his. “As to the second question, seeing that it is a question which concerns faith and the salvation of souls, and in which the Word of God—the greatest and most precious treasure either in heaven or earth—is involved, I should act imprudently were I to reply without reflection. I might affirm less than the circumstance demands, or more than the truth requires, and so sin against this saying of Christ: ‘Whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven.’ [Matthew 10:33]  For this reason I entreat your imperial majesty, with all humility, to allow me time, that I may answer without offending against the Word of God.” Luther’s calmness and dignity surprised everyone and only added to the power of his words. His enemies were especially disappointed, as Luther’s gentle demeanor was a rebuke to their insolence and pride. He was ordered to reappear the next morning to give his final answer. . .

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23