February 22, 2022 – “Out of the Blue”  Luther and the Thunderstorm

“In 1505, Martin Luther was in Erfurt. He had received his master’s degree in January, and had spent a few months studying law. He thought he’d go home and pay a visit to his family, so he traveled about 90 kilometers to the north to the town of Mansfeld. On the way back, Luther was caught in a violent thunderstorm, in fact, he thought God had unleashed the very heavens to take his life. So Luther tried to get shelter, and he found this big granite rock, and he grasped it, and he cried out, “Help me, Saint Anne, and I will become a monk.” As Luther’s biographer Roland Bainton puts it, ‘God kept his vows, and Luther kept his.’ Luther survived the thunderstorm. He made his way back here to Erfurt, and he threw a party for his friends. He gave away his law books, he gave away his law cap, and he entered the monastery here in Erfurt.” (Nathan W. Bingham Oct 15, 2019 Category: Ligonier Resources)

“Out of the Blue”

The meaning of the phrase “Out of the Blue” is related to a longer (but much less common) versions of the idiom: “Out of a Clear Blue Sky”, and “A Bolt Out of the Blue.” “The blue” refers to the blue sky. It is possible to say that something unexpected is a bolt from the blue. It seems to make the most sense that this “bolt” refers to a thunderbolt, i.e. lightning accompanied by thunder—as in “Who would expect a thunderbolt from a clear blue sky?”

Lutherans know the story of Martin Luther and his “lightning bolt” moment. We have a hard time getting into the mind of someone from the 15^th and 16^th centuries — the superstitions and myths that were prevalent in their thinking. It is no surprise a lightning bolt that strikes close to Luther would be seen as an indication from the heavens that all is not right. We understand weather much differently than they did. And yet, if we have a near miss today, we too may think G-d is trying to tell us something.

I must admit that I believe G-d will use all kinds of devices to get our attention in this life — mostly because we are so distracted by all kinds of events and worries. If it takes a lightning bolt from the blue to get us to pay attention, well, perhaps G-d has something to say. And often it takes a near miss to get us back on track with our faith.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, sometimes we are frightened by things like a lightning bolt — those experiences that snap us back to attention. Speak to us each and every day, and when you need to get our attention, help us to listen for your instructions. Amen.

Pastor Dave