Thursday's Thoughts: The Courage Of Martin Rinkart

 

 

 

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captive in Christ,
and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him."
(2 Corinthians 2:14) 

 

 

Image courtesy/Cyber Hymnal

 

 Martin Rinkart (1586-1649) was a German Lutheran clergyman and hymn writer.
During one of the most destructive conflicts in European history, the Thirty Years' War,
he lived in the walled city of Eilenburg, in the German state of Saxony. Every day he
witnessed thousands of refugees pouring through the city gates looking for shelter 
 and food.  Famine and plague were rampant throughout the land.

 Meanwhile, the Swedish army remained encamped on the outskirts of the city walls.
As plague claimed more and more victims, there was a tremendous emotional and
 physical strain on the city pastors, who conducted dozens of funerals daily.
Many of them became ill and died, eventually leaving Martin Rinkart as the 
single member of the clergy to continue holding funeral services.

After the Swedish Army demanded a huge ransom, Martin Rinkart left the safety
of the city walls to plead for mercy.  Impressed by the man's faith and courage,
the Swedish commander agreed to lower his demands.

When the war finally ended, Martin Rinkart, who had witnessed firsthand 
untold human misery and destruction, wrote this familiar hymn of praise and
 thanksgiving for a celebration service.  The song remains a personal testimony
 of one man's unshakable faith in the abiding love and mercy of God.

 

Now thank we all our God,

With heart and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things has done,

In whom this world rejoices;

Who from our mothers' arms

Has blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love,

And still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God

Through all our life be near us,

With ever joyful hearts

And blessed peace to cheer us;

And keep us in His grace,

And guide us when perplexed;

And free us from all ills,

In this world and the next! 

All praise and thanks to God

The Father now be given;

The Son and Spirit blest

Who reign in highest Heaven;

The one eternal God,

Whom earth and Heaven adore;

For thus it was, is now,

And shall be evermore. 

 

 Nun danket alle Gott
"Now Thank We All Our God"
(1644)
Martin Rinkart
(1586-1649)
German Lutheran clergyman
Translated from German to
English by Catherine Winkworth