March 10 - A lawyer and a monk

March 10 – A lawyer and a monk

In 1505 a young lawyer was struck by lightning. In his fright, he promised to become a monk. He joined a monastery and became a priest in 1507. Since he was such an amazing student, he was sent to Wittenberg University. His passion for God was incredible. He would spend hours and hours in the confessional because he saw the huge chasm between his sin and God’s holiness.

Luther was a deeply passionate man who couldn’t seem to get past the depth of his sin. While at Wittenberg University, the lead Bible professor appointed him as his replacement, hoping that Luther might find peace in the scriptures.

In 1510, Luther traveled to Rome, but was completely disillusioned by the faith he found there. It seemed mechanical. While there he did everything that was required to bring piety. He climbed Pilate’s stairs, where Christ supposedly had walked. He prayed and kissed each step, but the doubts in his heart began to brew. He returned to Wittenberg.

His desire for righteousness led him to the Bible. He realized that God was not only righteous, but could also give righteousness to sinners – to anyone who trusted in Christ. He had finally found peace within himself.

With this new found confidence in his relationship with God, Luther began to speak out against corruption. He had been consistently criticizing the selling of indulgences and the worship of relics, but he soon received a grand battle, right at his doorstep.

Pope Leo X needed an immense influx of cash to build St. Peter’s Basilica. He made a deal with Prince Albert. If the German prince would sell indulgences, he could keep half the profits. Prince Albert hired a peddler named Tetzel who came up with the phrase, “As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs.”

Luther was furious! This was a blatant misuse of the church’s power.