Luther and the Psalms: His Thunder
In critical periods of the church, certain books of the Bible have played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual direction of those history-altering eras. These key biblical books have been used by God to launch reformations and spark revivals. They have strategically defined epochs and birthed movements in the church. One such book is the New Testament epistle of Romans. Another is Israel’s ancient hymn book, the Old Testament book of Psalms. These two monumental books of Scripture — Romans and Psalms — uniquely came together in the life of one pivotal figure in church history. Such a man was Martin Luther.
It was these two strategic books — Psalms and Romans — that Luther was predominantly studying and teaching in the years preceding his posting of the Ninety-five Theses. It was these two books of Scripture that radically affected Luther and changed the course of human history. While Romans would principally formulate his doctrine, it was the Psalms that dramatically emboldened him to proclaim God’s message to the world. In other words, Romans gave Luther his theology, but it was the Psalms that gave him his thunder. The Psalms gave Luther a towering view of God, so much so that in preaching the gospel, he was ready to fight the devil himself. In so doing, these two biblical books laid the scriptural foundation for the Protestant Reformation.
- Steve Lawson
Preaching The Psalms