"In the Midst of Death, We Live" is a profound statement of faith drawn from the teachings of Martin Luther and deeply rooted in biblical truth.
Historical and Spiritual Context:
During the lifetime of Martin Luther, there was a common saying: “In the midst of life, we die.” This grim proverb reflected the harsh realities of the time. Life expectancy was short, often only reaching to the mid-thirties, and many children died in infancy or at birth. The bubonic plague added to the pervasive sense of mortality, making life appear bleak and fragile.
Spiritually, the situation seemed just as dire. The Roman Catholic Church, rife with corruption, held sway over the populace. The Bible was not taught in local churches, and the common people were largely biblically illiterate. Even many Catholic priests, tasked with preaching and leading the people, had limited understanding of Scripture.
This pervasive darkness was aptly summarized by the saying, “In the midst of life we die.”
Martin Luther's Perspective:
In one of his sermons on Genesis 22, Martin Luther reflected on this saying. He recounted the story of Abraham and Isaac, highlighting the moment when Abraham, in obedience to God, prepared to sacrifice his son. Luther described the scene with vivid imagery: “The father raised the knife. The boy bared his throat. If God had slept an instant, the lad would have been dead. I could not have watched. I am not able in my thought to follow. The lad was as a sheep for the slaughter. Never in history was there such obedience, save only in Christ. But God was watching, and all the angels. The father raised his knife; the boy did not wince. The angel cried, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’. We say, ‘In the midst of life we die’. God answers, ‘Nay, in the midst of death, we live’.”
Biblical Understanding:
Luther's profound interpretation shifts the focus from despair to hope. Luther counters with this divine truth: “In the midst of death, we live.” This echoes the essence of the Gospel in which we are given life even in the face of death. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary afflictions are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
Encouragement and Reflection:
As Christians, we are constantly reminded that "we are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh" (2 Corinthians 4:11). This paradoxical truth highlights that the death we experience in this world—whether through suffering, persecution, or the trials of life—serves to bring about a deeper, more profound life in Christ. In the midst of darkness, we have light; in sorrow, we find joy. Paul captures this beautifully in 2 Corinthians 6:10, describing believers as "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."
Explore the Wisdom Collective and let the "In the Midst of Death, We Live" design inspire you to embrace the life and hope found in Christ. Wear this piece as a declaration of faith, affirming that even in the darkest times, God's promise of life remains steadfast. Let it be a reminder that, in the midst of death, we truly live, and through Christ, we are being renewed day by day.
