What’s the most famous Reformation hymn? If you said “A Mighty Fortress is our God” you’d be right!
Do you know who wrote that famous hymn? Martin Luther wrote it.
There’s so much content packed in the hymn’s four verses, but one line stands out to me as really interesting. That line says, “One little Word can fell him.”
What’s that all about? you might ask. Fell whom? And what’s the little word that has so much power?
Let’s look at the entire verse.
“Though devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill; They shall not over pow’r us.
This world’s prince may still, Stand fierce as he will,
He can harm us none, He’s judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.”
(A Mighty Fortress is Our God LSB 656)
Any guesses now? Who is “this world’s prince?” (And notice it’s a lowercase “p.” We’re not talking about Jesus here!)
If you guessed the devil, you’re right! This stanza reminds us that the devil is out there, ready to eat us alive! (“Devour us,” it says.). But we don’t have to be afraid! The evil one won’t overpower us no matter how fierce he may be. Satan has been judged. His power only goes so far.
“One little word can fell him.” And that Word? “Jesus!”
Jesus conquered sin, death and the power of the devil when He died for us and rose again. On the Last Day, He’ll return as the conquering Hero and take us from all this sin and strife. Won’t that be great?!
Until then, the devil does prowl about. I Peter 5:8 says it like this: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
How would the enemy “get” a person? Maybe the devil would tempt someone over and over and over with some sin. Maybe he’d make them think that God was too frustrated with them. That God wouldn’t forgive them. But God is always ready to forgive us and to help us walk away (run away!) from sin.
I Peter 5 goes on to say in verses 9-11: “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
When the enemy badgers you and you’re tempted to sin, remember to call on Jesus. Jesus is so much more powerful than the devil. Jesus is God Almighty—the Creator of the universe!
You could even say, “In the name of Jesus, get behind me, Satan!”
One little word can stop the devil. That Word is “Jesus.” Jesus loves you and He loves to help you! Talk to Him in prayer. Ask Him for help as you face all the darts the devil aims at you. Trust in his forgiveness when you sin. He is strong and He will help!
Prayer
Dear Jesus. Thank You for caring about me. I’m so glad You’re stronger than the devil and that You’re ready and able to help me through all the trials of life. Thank You that You’ll come again and take me to be with You for all eternity where there is no more temptation or sorrow or pain. To You be all the glory! Amen.
Journal/Discussion Questions
- What are some things the devil has tempted you to do recently?
- What are some things that God gives us to help flight back against the devil’s temptation?
A Little More…
You can look at the first chapter of the Gospel of John where we hear more about that Word… Jesus.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5)
- How can knowing that Jesus is the light that overcomes the darkness remind us that through Him we can walk through any difficulty?
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