Arms Made Ready
For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. But You have saved us from our foes.
PSALM 44:6-7
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Arms Made Ready
It is indeed a great honor that Jacob has the courage to say that the bows, the arrows, the hands, and the arms are sturdy, firm, and strong [Genesis 49:23-24]. From what source? From the hands of the Mighty One of God, who is the God of Jacob. . .. To be sure, arms must be made ready and all things that are of value for the administration of a kingdom and for accomplishing things in times of peace and war. Surely something must be done. The means that are at hand must be employed. Consultations and deliberations must be held. But one should by no means trust in all these preparations and excellent provisions. No, one should pray: "O Lord, make haste to help me!" (Cf. Psalm 70:2.) "Our help is in the name of the Lord" (Psalm 124:8), for the adversaries are far superior to us in counsel and in strength.
From Lectures on Genesis (Luther's Works 8:299)
June 8
PSALM 44:6-7
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Arms Made Ready
It is indeed a great honor that Jacob has the courage to say that the bows, the arrows, the hands, and the arms are sturdy, firm, and strong [Genesis 49:23-24]. From what source? From the hands of the Mighty One of God, who is the God of Jacob. . .. To be sure, arms must be made ready and all things that are of value for the administration of a kingdom and for accomplishing things in times of peace and war. Surely something must be done. The means that are at hand must be employed. Consultations and deliberations must be held. But one should by no means trust in all these preparations and excellent provisions. No, one should pray: "O Lord, make haste to help me!" (Cf. Psalm 70:2.) "Our help is in the name of the Lord" (Psalm 124:8), for the adversaries are far superior to us in counsel and in strength.
From Lectures on Genesis (Luther's Works 8:299)
June 8
Posted in Daily Devotions
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