January 14, 2017
Martin Luther, Reformer, Priest,

On this date, January 14, 1501, Martin Luther enters the University of Erfurt at the age of 17.

In 1501, Martin Luther entered the University of Erfurt, where he received a Master of Arts degree (in grammar, logic, rhetoric and metaphysics). His goal, at least according to his father’s wishes, was to become a lawyer. However, in July 1505, Luther had a life-changing experience that set him on a new course. Caught in a horrific thunderstorm where he feared for his life, Luther cried out to St. Anne, the patron saint of miners, “Save me, St. Anne, and I’ll become a monk!” The storm subsided and he was saved. Most historians believe this was not a spontaneous act, but an idea already formulated in Luther’s mind. The decision to become a monk was difficult and greatly disappointed his father, but he felt he must keep a promise. Luther was also driven by fears of hell and G-d’s wrath, and felt that life in a monastery would help him find salvation.

October 31, 2017 being the 500th anniversary of the 95 Theses document being nailed to the church door in Wittenberg, thus sparking the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, it is only fitting that we intersperse different events in the life of Martin Luther in my devotions throughout 2017. The act of nailing the 95 Theses is not so much earth shattering in and of themselves, but the idea that discussion within the structures and teachings of the church may produce such backlash and condemnation is worth noting and remembering. We are, as Lutherans, people of faith borne out of questioning, out of discernment, and out of disagreement. But that is not necessarily what it is we should remember about the Reformation. What we remember is the “new” understandings that can come from questioning, discernment and disagreement. And in those discussions we can find ourselves being renewed and reborn in our faith.

When Luther entered the school in Erfurt, he could not have foreseen the direction his life was about to take. That is the way of the Spirit, and it is in the Spirit of Reformation and remembrance that we approach 2017.

Pastor Dave