No Compromise
Can wicked rulers be allied with You, those who frame injustice by statute?
PSALM 94:20
+
No Compromise
Now, we have some smart alecks who want to patch things up, to remove the issue, and to mediate the quarrel by suggesting that both sides ought to yield. We shall let them try to do what they can. They are welcome to their efforts. But if they succeed, they will be the first to make the devil become godly and agree with Christ. For my part, I think that kind of patchwork is the same as trying to glue potsherds together, as Jesus Sirach also says (Ecclesiasticus 22:7). There have been a lot of cobblers at this business; but they have worked in vain, losing both the thread and the stitch. In matters where we may dispose regarding ceremonies or other such external things, let us conciliate and patch whatever we can. But Christ wants no improvement or patching of matters concerning the faith of His kingdom, which would result in bending and twisting His scepter. Anyone who attempts to do this will only make things worse and lose the scepter. Like a ruler or a measure, this scepter must remain undamaged and straight, without breaks or gaps, as a guide to how a man should believe and live.
From Commentary on Psalm 110 (Luther's Works 13:277)
PSALM 94:20
+
No Compromise
Now, we have some smart alecks who want to patch things up, to remove the issue, and to mediate the quarrel by suggesting that both sides ought to yield. We shall let them try to do what they can. They are welcome to their efforts. But if they succeed, they will be the first to make the devil become godly and agree with Christ. For my part, I think that kind of patchwork is the same as trying to glue potsherds together, as Jesus Sirach also says (Ecclesiasticus 22:7). There have been a lot of cobblers at this business; but they have worked in vain, losing both the thread and the stitch. In matters where we may dispose regarding ceremonies or other such external things, let us conciliate and patch whatever we can. But Christ wants no improvement or patching of matters concerning the faith of His kingdom, which would result in bending and twisting His scepter. Anyone who attempts to do this will only make things worse and lose the scepter. Like a ruler or a measure, this scepter must remain undamaged and straight, without breaks or gaps, as a guide to how a man should believe and live.
From Commentary on Psalm 110 (Luther's Works 13:277)
Posted in Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Not AshamedIn Every RespectWe Are In His HouseHear His VoiceTodayBut You BelieveRest in ChristRest in FaithRest in Christ’s WordConfidence in Our Great High PriestOur Eternal High PriestCalled by GracePerfect Through SufferingA Little MilkFoundationGod Comes to UsFaith in ChristObtaining the PromiseThe King of PeaceBlessed by the SuperiorA Priest Forever in ChristThe Forever PriestA Better HopeOur Eternal IntercessorOur Perfect High PriestOur Eternal High PriestThe Better Covenant in ChristA New CovenantPromises KeptOnly The High PriestNot the Blood of Goats
February
Only at DeathOnce and For AllImpossibleThe Perfect SacrificeThe Once-for-All SacrificeOnce for AllForgiven Once for AllDraw Near with a True HeartA Fearful ThingRemembering with JoyEnduranceOf Things Not SeenBecause of LoveBy FaithThe Builder is GodAs Good As DeadStrangers HereFaith in the God Who ProvidesFaith Looks Beyond the PresentBy Faith, Not FearBy Faith, Not by SightFaith That EnduresPerfected in ChristEyes on JesusDisciplineCast His Eye On YouIt HurtsWeak Knees
March
Strive for PeaceNo Fire For YouMount ZionAn Unshakable KingdomA Kingdom That Cannot Be ShakenBrotherly Love in ChristConfidence in ChristSteadfast in ChristOutside the CampSacrifices of PraiseJoyful Obedience in ChristPray for Your PastorsEquipped by the Blood of ChristEncouragement in ChristGrace Be With You AllGod’s Sovereign HandFaithful in a Foreign LandFaithful in the Small ThingsTrusting GodWisdom from AboveEarthly Wisdom Fails, But Christ ReignsTrue Wisdom and the CrossThe Wisdom of Man FailsConfidence in God's MercyGod of Mercy and MightA Deliverer Sent by GodNo Wisdom but ChristThe Kingdom That EnduresThe Rock That Stands ForeverEarthly Kingdoms CrumbleThe Kingdom That Stands Forever