Furthermore, every Christian should submit himself to this suffering that he is sure that it will work for his good and that Christ, for his Word’s sake, will not only help us to bear this suffering but also turn and transform it to our advantage. And again what makes this cross more agreeable and bearable for us is the fact that our dear God is ready to pour so many refreshing aromatics and cordials into our hearts that we are able to bear all our afflictions and tribulations, just as St. Paul says in I Cor. 10 [:13], “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” This is true. When the suffering and affliction is at its worst, it bears and presses down so grievously that one thinks he can endure no more and must surely perish. But then if you can think of Christ, the faithful God will come and will help you, as he has always helped his own from the beginning of the world; for he is the same God as he always has been. (Luther’s Works, v.51, p.200)
Gesetz Stab Moses des Treibers.
Es. 9. v. 4 “The hearders staff of Moses.”
Der Hüter Israels schläfft noch Schlummert nicht.
Psal. 121, v. 4. “The keeper of Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
[All of the pictures for this year’s posts are from an etching entitled “Augsburg Confession” by Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677) and found in the Royal Collection Trust.]